You’ve got the backpacks lined up, lunchboxes prepped, and your work calendar is already filling up with meetings and carpool reminders. Fall is here—and for most families, that means one big thing: change.
But guess who didn’t get the memo?
Yep—your dog.
While your schedule shifts into high gear, your dog may be stuck in summer mode: sleeping in, lounging all day, and expecting non-stop attention. That sudden shift from all-day play to long stretches of alone time can trigger all kinds of trouble—think separation anxiety, potty accidents, destructive chewing, or barking up a storm the second you walk out the door.
But don’t worry—we’ve got this.
I’m Aly, and I’ve helped over 10,000 dogs and their humans get back on track when life shifts. Let’s talk about how to reset your daily routine for dogs and help your pup transition smoothly into a fall rhythm—without stress (for either of you).
Why Fall Routines Matter for Dogs
Dogs crave rhythm, flourish with structure, and feel most secure when life follows a predictable pattern.
When their humans suddenly vanish for 6–8 hours a day, dogs don’t know it’s just a school day or a trip to the office. They just know their daily routine for dogs has been flipped upside down.
The key? Reset that rhythm before life gets hectic.
This season is your golden opportunity to create a daily routine for dogs that supports calm, confident behavior—even when you’re not home.
Step 1: Rehearse the New Routine Now
To get ahead of the curve, start easing into your school-year rhythm today.
Dogs learn through repetition—not surprise. That means you should…
- Wake up at school-time hours. Even if nobody’s leaving yet, get back to early starts.
- Feed on the new schedule. Lock in regular potty and mealtime windows.
- Leave the house—even if it’s fake. Go grab coffee or do a lap around the block. Give your dog a taste of what being home alone again feels like.
Pro Tip:
Take your dog for a short structured walk right before you leave. I love using the Good Walker Hands-Free Leash for this—it helps your dog tune in and tire out.
Tired minds and bodies = smoother transitions.
Step 2: Reinforce Purpose & Calm Before You Leave
Here’s the biggest mistake people make: overdoing the goodbye.
Cue the guilt voice:
“Okay, bye baby! I’ll miss you soooo much! Don’t be sad!” 😩
Honestly—that doesn’t calm your dog.
That kind of farewell sends them into full panic mode just 10 seconds after you close the door. In fact, the overly emotional goodbye often becomes the trigger—not the departure itself.
Try this instead:
- Leash up and walk. A 10-minute, no-nonsense walk with your Good Walker Leash helps create calm energy.
- Send them to PLACE. Give them a job to do while you prep to leave.
- Exit without drama. Quiet confidence builds trust. Not chaos.
Red Flag:
If your dog can’t stay on PLACE while you grab your keys and leave the room, they need more practice before being left alone.
Want help? Grab my PLACE video or watch the full breakdown inside Aly’s Academy.
Step 3: Watch for Regression
Whenever routines shift, even well-trained dogs can backslide.
Be on the lookout for:
- Potty accidents during the day
- Excessive barking or whining
- Destructive chewing or pacing
- Super clingy behavior when you’re home
If you notice these signs, don’t panic.
It doesn’t mean your dog forgot everything—it just means they need a little refresh on their daily dog schedule.
To get back on track, go back to basics:
Crate time, leash work, short focused training bursts, and a structured daily routine for dogs.
Step 4: Use Crates, Tethers & Place to Your Advantage
Let’s be clear—structure isn’t punishment.
It’s the secret to peace.
- Crate = calm
- Tether = leadership
- PLACE = purpose
Use the crate:
- When you leave for the day
- During meals to prevent begging
- At night to promote restful sleep
Use the tether:
- While you work from home
- During homework time
- While winding down in the evening
(This is where tethering becomes the unsung hero of fall!)
Want a deeper dive into tethering?
Click here to read my full blog on it.
Use PLACE:
- When guests arrive
- During dinner
- While you pack backpacks or prep lunches
The more you use these tools, the calmer your dog becomes.
Step 5: Manage the After-School Madness
School’s out. Kids explode through the front door.
And your calm dog? Suddenly bouncing off the walls.
Let’s redirect that chaos:
- Structured hello: Kids walk in, ignore the dog until calm.
- Leash time: Take the dog straight out on a leash to reset.
- Post-school PLACE: Kids snack, dog holds Place.
- Reward calm only. No roughhousing until everyone’s regulated.
Rituals create rhythms.
And rhythms create peace.
Bonus Tip: Use the Fall Reset for More Than Just Routine
Remember, fall isn’t just for new notebooks and coffee flavors.
It’s a perfect time to tighten up skills and dial in your daily routine for a dog—so you’re not scrambling when the holidays hit.
Use this time to sharpen things like:
- Loose-leash walking
- Door manners
- Calm greetings
- High-distraction PLACE
- Off-leash recall
Need a hand? Inside Aly’s Academy, you’ll find step-by-step video lessons that walk you through every one of these skills—and my Aly’s Insider Community is full of support to cheer you on.
Real Talk from Aly
Here’s what I want you to know:
Transitions can be tricky.
However, your dog isn’t giving you a hard time.
They’re having a hard time.
They don’t need more freedom right now.
They need more purpose—and a daily dog schedule that helps them feel safe.
When you lead with calm, structured routines, your dog will follow.
Let’s get back to the rhythm.
Now’s the time to bring back the peace.
And above all, lead first—and love always.
Ready for Your Next Step?
Whether you’re resetting your daily routine with dog or just starting from scratch—I’ve got your back.
✔️ Snag my favorite fall tools: The Good Walker Leash Collection
✔️ Need more structure? Join Aly’s Academy
✔️ Want support every day? Become an Aly’s Insider Community
We’ve helped over 10,000 dog lovers just like you.
You’re not alone.
You’re not behind.
And this fall?
Is your fresh start.