How to Prepare Your Dog for Back to School · The Wildest

Your dog may not actually be back in the classroom just yet, but that doesn’t mean he won’t benefit from some homework. Per Schade: “Your dog has physical and mental needs that need to be met, especially during transitional times that can be stressful.”

That’s where this school-themed sniff work toy by Lambwolf Collective comes in. Hiding treats in the folds and pockets of this toy challenges your dog’s brain, keeping them engaged and focused.

Every kid looks forward to that new back-to-school backpack and now your dog can too! This adorable Charlie’s Backyard backpack is reminiscent of the ’90s Jansports of our childhood — and it’s perfect for holding toys, food, and anything else your pup might need on their brisk fall hike. Even better, this backpack is designed to be worn like a harness, so you don’t have to lug it around.

Obviously, we can’t say enough good things about puzzle toys. But this toy is definitely a cut above. Nina Ottosson, whose puzzles are recommended by many dog ​​trainers and psychologists, knows the importance of keeping your pup’s brain engaged.

“If dogs are not given an outlet for their energy in the form of different types of activity or other stimulation, they get bored. and sometimes find their own ‘activity,’ which we, as dog owners, often don’t appreciate, like chewing.barkingor just general hyperactivity,” he told The Wildest in an interview in May.

All experts agree that sports Gilmore Girls vibes will help your dog adjust to their new fall routine. As long as you both remember to say, “Why did you drop out of Yale?” with exact inflection.

Another great way to keep your dog busy and entertained this fall, this snuffle mat is a fun reminder of the classic back-to-school lunch we’re all still nostalgic for.

Here is an endorsement of a snuffle mat from veterinary behaviorist Dr. Valli Parthasarathy: “Snuffle mats are a great way to provide enrichment and entertainment by helping dogs use their amazing sense of smell to find hidden food. Sniff-based mental stimulation can also help promote general relaxation in dogs.”

If you’re looking for an enrichment “homework” toy that doesn’t use treats, this tumble toy by Wild One is the answer. Instead of food, the prize in this toy is the tennis ball, which is great for pups who want to save all their treats for Halloween.

Help your puppy finally get to inbox zero this fall with this toy laptop.

If your pup needs help relaxing while you and your family get back to your busy schedule, lick mats are the perfect solution. Licking is a natural and relaxing behavior for your dog, so these mats work to stimulate the mind and calm your pup.

Last year, trainer and our Collective member Nicole Ellis told The Wildest about the benefits of toys like this and recommends giving your dog a mat before leave the house: “Make mornings before work about mental enrichment. You’ve probably heard dog trainers talk about the benefits of keeping your dog’s brain engaged. Mental stimulation helps for a dog to decompress and burn off excess energy. By the time you leave for the office, your dog is ready for a good, long nap.”

Prepare your pup for a smooth transition back into your busy fall schedule with this pheromone spray. Designed to calm your dog by mimicking pheromones of their mother, this spray can help with larger issues about getting back into your routine.

In addition, Ellis recommends keep your morning routine as calm as possible to avoid any separation anxiety: “Pick up your keys and walk around the house. Put on your coat and then sit on the sofa. Grab your backpack and go back to the kitchen.”

Even as we return to our busy schedules, the best thing we can do to help our pups handle the chaos is to make time just for them.

“It’s not easy to carve out extra time to make sure your pets’ needs are met, but doing so helps to ease the stress of a busy new season,” says Schade. “You might have to get up even earlier to make sure your best friend gets a full walk before the day starts, or you might have to rally for an intense game of fetch at the end of the day.”

This fun, interactive treat ball is the perfect way to level up your fetch game — and makes it a fun after-school activity for the whole family.

Everyone feels better going back to school with a back-to-school friend. Your puppy needs a friend so they don’t feel alone when others are making friends at recess. This toy, which uses a heat pack and a heartbeat simulator to appear as a real tight companion for your pup, is perfect for helping your dog feel less alone when you’re away.

This two-in-one chew toy and treat dispenser is perfect for keeping your pup as busy as you are this fall.

“Busy treat toys are a great way to keep dogs entertained when the family isn’t home,” says Schade. “The trick is filling the toy so the dog has to work hard to get the goodies out, but not to make it so hard that it becomes frustrating and your dog leaves the toy.”

Once you’ve all settled in for the day, it’s time to bring out the toys you can play with together. If you’re looking for a healthy after-school snack for your pup, look no further than this pizza rolls toy by Bark. The fun of frozen pizza rolls without the emergency-vet visits that real snacks can bring.

Your dog is most comfortable when they have a space to call their own. To prepare your dog for fall business, make sure they have a crate or bed set up that they know they can come back to when things get messy. We like this one because its donut shape works to cradle your dog, keeping them comfortable and supported.