As summer winds down and families shift back into the school year routine, it’s not just the humans who feel the change—our four-legged friends do too. The hustle and bustle of getting everyone out the door for school can leave little time for our pups, who might suddenly find themselves alone for hours each day.
That’s where enlisting the help of a professional dog walker can make all the difference. Here are some reasons why hiring a dog walker is a smart move when students and parents head back to school.
1. Keeps Your Dog Active and Healthy
When the house is empty during the day, your dog’s activity level can drop significantly. Regular walks are vital for maintaining a dog’s physical health, helping to prevent weight gain, and keeping their joints and muscles strong.
2. Eases Separation Anxiety
Dogs are social creatures who thrive on companionship. When the daily routine suddenly changes, they can develop separation anxiety, leading to destructive behavior like chewing, barking, or even having accidents in the house. A midday visit from a dog walker breaks up the long hours alone, providing your dog with attention, playtime, and a much-needed potty break.
3. Improves Mental Stimulation
A walk is more than just physical exercise; it’s also a great way to keep your dog’s mind engaged. Sniffing around the neighborhood, exploring new scents, and encountering different environments provide mental stimulation that helps keep your dog happy and well-adjusted. This can reduce boredom and the likelihood of behavioral issues developing.
4. Creates a Routine
Dogs are creatures of habit and they thrive on routine. With school schedules becoming more consistent, establishing a regular walking routine can help your dog adjust to the new normal. A dog walker can be a key part of this routine, ensuring that your pup knows when to expect their daily exercise and companionship, which in turn, can help reduce stress and anxiety.
5. Gives You Peace of Mind
As a busy parent, balancing work, school drop-offs, and after-school activities can be overwhelming. Knowing that your dog is being cared for during the day by a professional dog walker can give you peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about rushing home or feeling guilty about leaving your dog alone for long periods. It’s one more thing to check off that “to-do” list.
6. Increases Overall Happiness
At the end of the day, a well-exercised, mentally stimulated, and socially engaged dog is a happy dog. Regular walks lead to better behavior, a healthier body, and a more contented pup who’s ready to welcome the family home with a wagging tail.
Conclusion
When the school bell rings on that first day of school and everyone is off to their daily activities, don’t forget about the family member who’s left behind.
Hiring a professional dog walker ensures that your dog stays active, healthy, and happy while you’re tackling the busy school year. It’s a small investment that pays off in the form of a well-adjusted, well-behaved, and contented companion.
If you’re in the Roanoke area and need a reliable dog walker to keep your pup happy while you’re away, The Well-Trained Dog & Pet Care is here to help. Go to our website and then call us at (540) 353-2485 or email info@thewell-traineddog.com.
Let’s make this school year the best one yet for your entire family!
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