Few children look forward to packing up their pencils and heading back to school. But after the school bus takes off down the road, the family pet is left in the dust - and may be as melancholy as the kids.

"If your family has been very active during the summer months, the return of the children to school may come with a significant reduction in activity and attention for the family dog," says Michael Bane, professional trainer at Best Friends in Rocky Hill and Avon , Connecticut . "In addition to the daytime activity drop, the afternoons and evenings when the family is at home may also be more hectic and busy as children are doing homework or are involved in after school activities."

The changes in the daily routine that occur between summer and school time can have a big impact on the family dog, Bane explains. This is especially true if the dog was a puppy at the start of summer and has never experienced a school time schedule. However, there are ways to combat the back to school blues - but the time to start is now.

Introduce Quiet Time - - If you have been taking your dog on many family outings or just for more rides when you go out, begin teaching the dog to remain either alone for increasingly longer periods of time prior to the start of the school year.

Keep him busy - - Dogs who are bored often turn to destructive behavior. Be sure to give the dog options to keep busy. A mixture of chew toys and play toys can help to occupy the dog's time. Save the best toys or treats (i.e. ones that will keep your dog busy for a long period of time such as a Kong stuffed with peanut butter) for use during quiet times or departure when the dog will be in his or her crate.

Maintain control and order - - Dogs can often become upset about being left alone. Upon the return of the family, they become very excited to see them. "It's easy to get caught up in their excitement and offer lots of attention," Bane says, "but don't do it. This can inadvertently create a situation where the dog becomes more anxious and noisy when left alone." Bane suggests placing less importance on your departure and arrival. Upon arriving home, avoid going to the crate (or room where the dog is ) to let the dog out immediately. "Put your coat away, have something to eat or drink, check your phone messages, etc.," he says. "Once you are settled and if the dog is quiet, let the dog out. This will teach him to be more calm when you arrive home as well as reinforcing that he be quiet in order to get out of the crate."

Playtime - - Finally, suggests Bane, be sure to set aside some time to offer the dog some attention. After the kids go off, spend a few minutes playing with the dog. Through play, the dog not only gains attention but also has an outlet for its energy. If your pet is a high-energy dog, consider enrolling him in a playgroup or doggy daycamp program.

Michael Bane has been working with animals since 1989. He is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer and an AKC Approved Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Michael can be reached at Best Friends Pet Care in Rocky Hill and Avon, Connecticut .