As the carefree days of summer wind down, many families shift gears into a new routine—back to school, back to work, and back to structure. While humans may adapt with a bit of groaning and a lot of coffee, for dogs, this sudden change in routine can be confusing, stressful, and even lead to behavioural setbacks.
If your dog spent the summer enjoying late mornings, endless outdoor time, and near-constant companionship, the transition into fall can feel abrupt and unsettling. That’s why September is the ideal time to hit reset and focus on Back-to-Routine Training—a chance to reestablish structure, reinforce boundaries, and build your dog’s confidence in being alone.
Why Back-to-Routine Training Works in September
September marks a natural reset point. Kids are heading back to school, pawents return to regular work schedules, and household routines snap back into place. Dogs, sensitive creatures of habit, often feel these shifts deeply.
Common signs your dog is struggling with the post-summer adjustment:
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Increased separation anxiety
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Accidents in the house
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Barking or destructive behaviour when left alone
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Resistance to crate or quiet time
By proactively working on training in September, you give your dog the tools to navigate these changes more calmly and confidently—while also setting the tone for a more balanced autumn and winter season.
Key Focus Areas for Back-to-Routine Training
Here are four crucial pillars to focus on when rebuilding structure after summer:
1. Reinforce Boundaries
Over the summer, relaxed rules often creep in. Maybe your dog started jumping on the couch uninvited, begging during family BBQs, or pulling on leash during those extra-long walks.
Now’s the time to revisit:
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Sit/stay at thresholds
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No jumping on guests
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Respect for personal space
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Calm behaviour during meal times
Consistency is key. Reintroducing clear boundaries helps your dog understand what’s expected, leading to more predictable behaviour.
2. Crate Training Refresher
If the crate became a forgotten corner during the summer, reintroduce it as a safe, positive space—not a punishment.
Tips to refresh crate training:
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Feed meals in the crate
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Give high-value chews during crate time
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Keep sessions short and positive at first
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Gradually increase duration while you’re home, then while you’re away
Crate training gives dogs a sense of security and helps manage alone time in a constructive way.
3. Practice Alone Time
Dogs that spent the summer with constant companionship may find sudden solitude distressing. Start now to prevent or reduce separation anxiety.
How to build tolerance for alone time:
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Practice short departures (even just leaving the room)
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Use enrichment toys like stuffed Kongs or puzzle feeders
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Avoid dramatic exits or reunions
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Keep absences predictable and build gradually
Training your dog to feel safe alone helps them adjust more easily when everyone’s suddenly out of the house during the day.
4. Reestablish Schedule-Based Cues
Dogs thrive on routine. Set feeding times, toilet breaks, walks, play, and rest to mirror the schedule they’ll need to follow during the school/work year.
Establish predictable cues like:
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Morning toilet trips before the house gets busy
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A midday walk with a dog walker or neighbour if needed
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Evening wind-down with calm activities like scent games or snuffle mats
When dogs know what to expect, they feel more secure and are less likely to act out.
Final Thoughts: Set Your Dog Up for Success This Autumn
Back-to-routine training isn’t about punishment or strict rules—it’s about providing structure, safety, and consistency. September is the perfect month to lay that foundation. With a bit of planning and patience, you can help your dog transition smoothly out of summer mode and into a routine that supports better behavior and a calmer state of mind.
Your dog will thank you—not with words, but with improved behavior, confidence, and trust.