Back to School: Helping Your Pup Adjust (and Discover Their Classroom Personality!)

Jennifer Mishkin
Aug 8
3 min read

The school bells are ringing, backpacks are packed, and lunchboxes are loaded. It’s officially back-to-school season in Houston. While the kids adjust to their new schedules, there’s one family member who might be feeling the change just as much your dog.

At Houston Bark Park & Daycare, we know that new routines can be ruff for our four-legged friends. With the sudden quiet at home and changes to their daily schedule, some pups may experience separation anxiety, extra energy, or just plain confusion. That’s why we’re here with tips to help your dog adjust and a fun way to imagine what kind of “classmate” they’d be in the schoolyard!

Tips to Help Your Dog Adjust to Back-to-School Routines

Ease into the new schedule

If your summer mornings were more relaxed, start shifting mealtimes, walks, and play sessions now to match your school-year routine.

Keep mornings calm

Kids rushing around = high energy in the house. Give your dog a quick walk or play session before the chaos starts to help them settle while you’re gone.

Provide mid-day stimulation

If your pup is used to constant company, consider doggie daycare at Houston Bark Park and Daycare. Social play keeps them happy and burns off energy while you’re away.

Leave comfort items

A favorite toy, a frozen treat puzzle, or a worn T-shirt with your scent can make alone time more comforting.

Plan afternoon enrichment

Once the kids are home, reconnect with a quick game of fetch, a walk, or a fun training session.

Two dogs dressed in pink and black jackets sit in front of a retro drive-in backdrop with "Stranded at the Drive-In" text. Mood is playful. — We've got chills... They're multiplying!

Which Pup Personality Is Yours in the "Doggie Classroom"?

Every dog has their unique back-to-school vibe if they were in a classroom, which one would they be?

The Class Clown 🎭 – Always making others laugh with goofy antics, zoomies, and belly-flop splashes in the play pools.
The Valedictorian 🎓 – Masters every command on the first try and knows exactly when the treat jar opens.
The Teacher’s Pet 🍎 – Stays close to the staff, always eager to please, tail wagging non-stop.
The Artist 🎨 – Sniffs out new scents, digs “creative masterpieces,” and chases butterfly “muses.”
The Scientist 🔬 – Inspects every toy, tests every squeaker, and experiments with the best way to get belly rubs.
The Athlete 🏅 – Fetch champion, agility tunnel pro, and proud holder of “Best Splash” in the pool.

Back-to-School Specials You’ll Love

While the kids are learning in the classroom, your pup can enjoy their own “school day” of friends, play, and enrichment at any Houston Bark Park location.

🐾 All Locations: Flexible half-day and full-day daycare options to fit your schedule.

Whether you’re in the Heights, Energy Corridor, or coming from another Houston neighborhood, we’re here to make mornings smoother and tails wag all season long. We have partners to help with pick-up and drop-off to help your mornings run smoothly.

Make Back-to-School Stress-Free for the Whole Pack

With a little planning and maybe a few days at Houston Bark Park & Daycare, your dog will sail through the school year happy, healthy, and well-socialized.

📍 Stop by any Houston Bark Park location today to learn more, and also ask about our special partners who can pick up and deliver your four-legged friend for an easy morning drop-off perk!