Back-to-School Blues: Why Your Dog’s Behaviour Changes When the Kids Go Back to School
As the school holidays wrap up and everyone heads back to early starts and structured days, many families are focused on getting routines back on track. But there’s often one family member who struggles more than expected — your dog.
If they’ve suddenly become clingy, barky, or unsettled when you leave the house, you’re not alone. These kinds of changes are common around September, and for some dogs, they can be early signs of separation anxiety.
Let’s take a look at why that happens — and how you can help your dog feel calmer and more confident again.
Why Dogs Struggle When Routines Change
Dogs are creatures of habit. They rely on predictable routines to feel safe in their world. Over the summer, they might have had full days with the children at home, more activity, more attention — and suddenly, the house goes quiet.
For dogs who find it difficult to be left alone, that sudden change can trigger behaviours like:
Barking or whining when you leave
Chewing furniture, doors or skirting boards
- Toilet accidents even when fully housetrained
- Pacing, panting, or drooling as you get ready to go out
- Following you from room to room (clingy or “Velcro” behaviour)
It’s not disobedience. It’s a sign that your dog is finding things genuinely hard — especially if they weren’t prepared for the change.
“But He Was Fine Before the Holidays…”
That’s one of the most common things I hear from clients. And it makes sense.
During the summer, your dog likely had lots of interaction — with family around all day, relaxed schedules, and more stimulation. Then suddenly, their environment becomes quieter, emptier, and more structured… with less company.
This change can highlight any underlying separation issues that might have been bubbling under the surface but weren’t obvious while the house was busy.
How You Can Help Your Dog Adjust
These suggestions are based on modern separation anxiety protocols and can help your dog feel more secure after a routine change:
Start With Very Short Absences
Begin with absences your dog can handle calmly — even just a few seconds. The goal is to build confidence, not test their limits.
Keep Things Predictable
Stick to consistent mealtimes, walks and rest periods. Dogs feel safer when life is a bit more structured.
Add Gentle Enrichment
Offer sniff walks, puzzle feeders, scatter feeding or lick mats. Enrichment can reduce frustration and boost confidence.
Make Leaving (and Coming Back) Low-Key
Keep transitions boring. Calm departures and greetings help reduce anxiety around people coming and going.
Get Support if Things Aren’t Improving
Separation anxiety rarely goes away on its own. If your dog is struggling, working with a behaviourist means you’ll get a tailored plan that works for your dog and your routine.
Support for Dogs With Separation Anxiety in Oxfordshire
If you're noticing these changes in your dog as school routines return, you’re not alone — and support is available.
At Talking Pet Behaviour, I specialise in helping dogs with separation-related behaviours, using gentle, step-by-step training that works at your dog’s pace.
In a Nutshell
- Routines changing can be tough for dogs — especially those sensitive to being alone
- Barking, destruction or clinginess may be signs of separation-related distress
- Gradual alone-time training and enrichment can really help
- If your dog’s struggling, you don’t have to go it alone — support is here
Need Help Getting Started?
If your dog is struggling with the return to routine, you’re not alone — and support is available.
I’ve created a free guide just for you:
“Home Alone, But Happy – 5 Steps to Ease Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety”
Inside, you’ll find practical, kind strategies to start building your dog’s confidence today.
Click here to download your free guide now
Or head to my contact page to chat about support options near you.