School’s Out — and So Is Your Dog’s Routine?
Summer break brings fun, flexibility, and family time. But for many dogs, it also brings confusion. With kids home, routines shift, boundaries blur, and obedience often takes a back seat.
Without structure, dogs can become overexcited, disobedient, or even develop new problem behaviors. The good news? With a little planning, you can maintain (and even strengthen) your dog’s training during the summer months — with help from the whole family.
Common Summer Disruptions to Dog Behavior
When kids are home more, dogs often experience:
- Increased stimulation from constant activity
- Inconsistent rules across different family members
- Excess food or treats from kids
- Excited voices, running, and loud play triggering arousal
- Less one-on-one training time
It’s not intentional — but even well-trained dogs can backslide without consistency.
Step 1: Reinforce the Routine — Even With a New Schedule
Just because summer changes your family’s schedule doesn’t mean it should change your dog’s structure.
- Stick to a consistent walk, meal, and crate routine
- Maintain training windows — even 10 minutes daily makes a difference
- Plan quiet downtime for your dog to decompress
- Use a visual calendar if needed to track your dog’s “jobs” for the day
Predictability is a powerful behavior stabilizer.
Step 2: Give Kids a Role in the Training
Training becomes more consistent when everyone participates — including your kids.
- Teach them how to give basic commands (sit, place, come)
- Supervise while they practice leash walking or recall
- Assign age-appropriate responsibilities like feeding, filling water, or putting on gear
- Make it fun — use games like “hide and seek” or “find it” with treats
When kids become part of the routine, they reinforce it — not disrupt it.
Step 3: Set Rules for How Kids Interact With the Dog
To prevent confusion or conflict, establish family guidelines like:
- No roughhousing or teasing
- Ask permission before giving treats
- No pulling, hugging, or crowding the dog
- Quiet behavior around the dog’s crate or bed
- Respect commands like “out” or “place”
Clear rules help your dog trust that expectations don’t change based on who’s around.
Step 4: Use “Place” to Create Calm Zones During Chaos
When the house gets busy:
- Send your dog to “place” for calm observation
- Reinforce staying put even when kids play or guests visit
- Use chew toys or food puzzles to create positive associations
- Make “place” a calm, safe zone your dog chooses willingly
This teaches impulse control and helps your dog adapt to high-energy environments.
Step 5: Limit Unstructured Free Time
With the whole family home, it’s easy to let the dog roam more than usual. But:
- Supervise outdoor time
- Interrupt barking, fence reactivity, or digging
- Reward calm behaviors, not just tired ones
- Balance freedom with structure
Freedom without structure usually leads to regressions in behavior.
Final Thoughts: Summer’s the Best Time to Lead as a Pack
When your kids are home, your dog is watching everyone — and learning what’s acceptable from every interaction.
Stay consistent. Be intentional. And use this time to deepen your dog’s ability to coexist peacefully in a busy, joyful household.
Training doesn’t stop for summer. It adapts — and when done well, it improves.
