How to Keep Your Dog Engaged When Children Are at Home and Off School
When the school holidays roll around, everything changes — the house is busier, routines shift, and dogs can sometimes be the ones who feel a bit left out. While it might seem like more people at home would automatically mean more fun for your dog, the reality is that the extra noise, visitors, and unpredictability can leave some dogs feeling unsettled.
So, how do you keep your dog happy and well-behaved when the kids are off school? At Mel Newton Dog Training, we always remind our local families that the quality of time spent with your dog is far more important than simply clocking up the hours. Here’s how you can keep your dog engaged, calm, and content this holiday, without adding extra stress to your family routine.
Keep a Consistent Routine Wherever You Can
Dogs thrive on routine and structure. They feel safe and secure when they know what to expect. When school is in session, you probably have a clear routine for walks, meals, playtime, and quiet time — and your dog is used to that rhythm.
When the children are home, that routine can easily slip. Try to keep the basics as familiar as possible. Feed your dog at the same time each day and aim for regular walk times, even if the route or who comes along changes.
If you normally have a training session once a week, stick to it. Even 10 minutes of focused practice in the garden can make a big difference to your dog’s behaviour and mindset.
Quality Over Quantity
One thing I often say to clients across Swaffham and South Norfolk is this: Don’t get hung up on how long you spend with your dog — focus instead on how engaged you both are.
Half an hour of your dog pottering around the garden while you’re distracted is not the same as 10 minutes of proper interaction. You’ll see far better results from short bursts of purposeful play or training than hours of background presence.
For example, you can try:
- Short training games: Hide-and-seek with treats, practising recall in the garden, or simple trick training.
- Enrichment activities: Food puzzles, snuffle mats, or scatter feeding on the lawn.
- Calm connection time: A gentle grooming session or a massage in a quiet corner can be surprisingly engaging for your dog.
Get the Children Involved (Safely)
Younger children can help fill enrichment toys, practise asking the dog for a ‘sit’ or ‘down’ before giving a treat, or join in with simple games. Just make sure everyone understands your dog’s boundaries — no rough play, no teasing, and always supervised interactions.
Create a Safe, Calm Space
Extra visitors, garden playdates, and the general chaos of a house full of kids can overwhelm some dogs, especially those that thrive on peace and quiet. Make sure your dog has a safe, quiet space they can retreat to if they need a break.
This could be their crate, a spare room, or even a quiet corner with their bed and a chew toy. Teach the children that when the dog is in their ‘quiet zone’, they’re off-limits.
Sometimes, the kindest thing you can do for your dog is to let them rest undisturbed.
Watch for Signs of Stress
If you spot these signs, guide your dog to their quiet space and give them some time to decompress.
Keep Up the Training
It’s easy for training to slip when the family routine is upended — but this is often when you need it most. A few minutes each day practising recall, stays, or loose lead walking will help keep your dog’s mind focused.
This is where our in-home training sessions come in handy for many local families. If you find your dog’s behaviour slips when the children are at home, a tailored training plan can give you the structure and confidence you need.
Remember: Happy Dog, Happy Family
If you’d like help building a routine that works for your dog and your family, Mel Newton Dog Training is here to support you with practical, positive advice that fits around real life.
Book a Session This Summer
Call me on 07442 974421 or contact here to find out how we can help you enjoy your summer break with a happy, engaged dog.