What's your dog doing when you go...

I'll bet you are ready.
But is your dog ready for you to go to school?
Do you think she will miss you?

Before You Leave for School

Let's start with the beginning of the day. Because it was summertime, maybe your dog was used to your being home all morning. It's going to be a big change when you or your family leave to go to work or school and he's alone. He might feel very lonely. How would you feel?

Here are some things that might help your dog adjust.

1. Don't make a big deal about your leaving. If you get all emotional about leaving your pooch behind, he will pick up on it and get anxious, too. If your dog is used to lots of lovin' in the morning, give it to him when you first wake up. You might even get up earlier and take him for a walk. Then go about your business getting ready for school. A quick "See ya later!" is just what your dog needs to relax and wait for your return.

2. Fake him out! Every once in a while, pretend you are leaving, but don't. Pick up your bag, go out the door, and then come back. Your dog will never know when you're really leaving and will learn to relax when you are getting ready to leave.

3. If your dog tends to be upset when you leave, you might take an old t-shirt (with Mom's permission) and drop it on the floor. He'll be able to lay down by your familiar smell.

Toys that are made just for dogs who are spending time alone will entertain him while he is waiting for you to come home.

The most important thing is that you remember to spend some time with your dog after school. Your dog can't tell you when he is lonely or bored. So it's up to you to make his life happy. When you are on your way home after school, just think to yourself...

"How can I make my dog happy today?"

Totally Fun Things to Do With Your Dog (Play With Your Pet) by Maxine A. Rock, 1998
Here's a book that gives ideas and step-by-step instructions for dozens of fun and safe games and activities to do with your dog: from playing basketball, Frisbee, and hide and seek, to jumping through hoops, taking photographs, creating unusual dog houses, and throwing dog theme parties. Written for kids ages 9-12

Fun Stuff to Do with Your Best Friend: The Interactive Dog Book, by Nancy Furstinger, August 1, 2000
From an Amazon.com reader: My family and I thoroughly enjoyed Fun Stuff by Nancy Furstinger. It's easy and fun to read and has a lot of great activities for kids and their dogs (or is it "dogs and their kids"?). We haven't tried all of the activities, of course, and we only tried one of the recipes so far, but it's a book we continue to use and refer back to. We're still working our way through the web sites, which gave us even more information! The "K-911" first-aid kit was a great idea and we now have one safely under our sink. A great book! Highly recommended! Ages 4-8

A Dog's Best Friend An Activity Book for Kids and Their Dogs, by Lisa Rosenthal, Chicago Review Press 1999
This book is for kids ages 9-12 who want to learn how to have fun with their dog and do it with gentleness and respect. It's clear, well-written, and well-organized.