- Make sure Fido has plenty of time to get used to new schedules and children going off to school and teenagers going off to college.
- If you’ve gotten a new puppy over the summer make sure arrangements are made so that she can make the adjustment. Arrange for dog walkers and doggie day care if necessary.
- Take advantage of the cool weather; bring him in the car when you run errands. Make sure Fluffy has good car etiquette and you’ve provided good safety habits for him. Still leave windows open enough for air, but not for escape. Cars can heat up in the cooler months also.
- Puppy and dog training classes are starting. It’s the start of school for everyone in the family.
- Maintain exercise schedules and consistency, if you need to make changes, make them gradually. Some dogs perk up in the fall and winter months.
- Don’t let new kids play with your dogs until you have supervised many encounters first. New friends in your house are great for your dog’s socialization, BUT make sure it’s safe. ALL children don’t necessarily know how to be with animals.
- Fall for your dog—not on them. A good cotton 6-foot lead and cotton collar are great tools for walking your dog.