Because your dog noticed the kids aren’t around all day anymore…
Let’s face it: when the kids head back to school and routines shift, it’s not just you adjusting to the new normal. Your dog, your ever-observant, biscuit-loving shadow, has picked up on the changes too.
From earlier alarms to quieter afternoons, your dog is feeling it, and they’re trying to tell you… through subtle signs in their body language (or not-so-subtle barking at the front door for 20 minutes).
So let’s decode what your dog’s really saying, and how you can support them with the right gear and a little routine TLC.
Why Routine Changes Are a Big Deal for Dogs 🐾
Dogs are creatures of habit. They love knowing what happens when walks, play, dinnertime, kids throwing toast under the table. But when the routine suddenly changes, like when school starts again, they can feel confused, anxious, or just plain bored.
Common routine changes in autumn:
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Kids leaving home earlier (less morning playtime)
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Longer stretches of alone time
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Walks happening at different times
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Less noise (good for you, but your dog’s confused)
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Energy in the home shifting, quieter, less chaotic
Signs Your Dog Might Be Struggling With the Change 👀
Dogs speak fluent body language, but humans often miss the subtitles. According to behaviour experts, here are a few signals your dog might be sending:
Your dog might not be throwing a tantrum like the kids, but they might absolutely be giving “I miss them” vibes. Or “please walk me earlier, I’ve been ready since 6am.”
How to Help Your Dog Settle into the New Routine
Good news: you can help your dog adjust with a few thoughtful (and stylish) tweaks to their daily rhythm.
1. Bring Back Predictability
Stick to regular walk and meal times, even if the house schedule has shifted. This helps your dog re-anchor to new patterns without stress.
👉 Try the Premium Comfort Harness for comfy, quick-clip walks that say, “We’ve got this, pal.”
2. Short but Sweet Engagement
Kids gone? Fill the gap with quick training games, puzzle feeders, or 10-minute fetch sessions.
👉 Use the BullyBillows Treat Pouch for on-the-go reward training or bonding during lunch breaks.
3. Exercise = Stress Relief
A well-exercised dog is a less anxious dog. Make sure they're getting physical activity and mental stimulation (walks with new routes work wonders!).
👉 Our Multiple Handle Lead helps manage overexcited walks with extra control and less arm pain.
4. Watch the Body Language
Now that you know the signs, keep an eye out for them. A yawning spaniel in the middle of the day? That’s not sleepiness, it’s “where did the chaos go and when is someone feeding me?!”
Final Woof 💬
Your dog may not be packing a pencil case or complaining about PE, but back-to-school season affects them too. By keeping an eye on their body language and making a few smart changes to your daily routine, you’ll help them navigate the transition with wagging tails and calm vibes.
And hey, if the kids get new school shoes, your dog definitely deserves a fresh harness, collar, or fleece.
👉 Explore Back-to-Routine Essentials →
👉 Read More: Which BullyBillows Product Is Best For Your Dog? →
