Summer Fun (And Challenges): Help Your Dog, And You, Thrive This Season
Image Description: Black and white border collie lays in the grass staring straight at the camera. His right ear flops over slightly and he has black speckles on the white part of his face.
Summer Fun (And Challenges): Help Your Dog, And You, Thrive This Season
Summer is right around the corner, and for many of us it is feels like it is already here! Longer days, the kids home from school, upcoming vacations, outdoor adventures, and best of all, more time spent with our dogs.
While summer brings plenty to enjoy, it can also present unique challenges for our pups. Changes in routine, increased activity, warmer and even dangerous temperatures, and busier environments can leave you wishing you had done some winter and spring dog training to prepare!
Here are a few things to keep in mind to help your dog stay happy, healthy, and successful this summer. And, if you need a little extra help, check out our training programs here.
1. Routine Matters!
Dogs thrive on predictability, and they don’t get a heads up that the schedule is about to change! With the kids home from school, vacations on the horizon, and busier weekends, they have a completely different routine seemingly overnight.
I’m not saying to have a strict schedule or keep them out of the summer fun, but keeping their basic routine as consistent as possible goes a long way! Regular meal times, potty breaks, exercise routines, and an abundance of rest will help your dog remain relaxed and secure, even with the summer changes.
If the summer schedule is causing your dog to become more excitable, struggle with settling, or forget some of their manners, you're not alone. This is one of the most common challenges I see during the summer months as the excitement gets to everyone in the home. Whether you need this reminder to go back to a routine, or some extra support with our training programs, getting back to the basic routine is a great place to start!
2. Be Mindful of the Heat!
Dogs can overheat much quicker than people realize. Even temperatures that feel comfortable to us can be challenging for our dogs, especially if they come on suddenly. Puppies, senior dogs, brachycephalic breeds, dogs with thick coats, or underlying health conditions may be even more susceptible to heat related challenges. Here are a few tips to help keep your dog safe, and their needs met, especially when they join you on your summer adventures:
Give them time to acclimate to the heat, especially when it comes on suddenly!
Check pavement temperatures before walks, put your hand on the pavement for five seconds before letting your dog on it!
Exercise during the cooler parts of the day, especially early morning and later in the evening
Provide access to fresh water, but prevent any chugging after high intensity activity
Offer shady areas when outside
Watch for signs of overheating, including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or difficulty recovering after activity, even when doing something like playing in the water!
It's better to choose a shorter outdoor adventure and supplement with indoor enrichment, like a sniff walk in the pet store or a treat search in the house, than risk overheating!
3. More Activity Doesn't Equal More Relaxed Dog
Summer often means more walks, outings, and adventures with the family. While physical exercise is an important part of meeting your dog's needs, be careful not to overstimulate them with new or busy environments leading to a dog that seems unable to settle despite all the daily activities!
If your dog seems more excitable, reactive, or unable to settle despite being active, they likely need more opportunities for rest and decompression. If your goal is for your dog to accompany you on these adventures, you may need some training to help get there!
Downtime is just as important as activity, dogs need sixteen hours of rest per day. Providing quiet time at home, enrichment activities, and opportunities to relax can help your dog process all of their summer experiences and help them return to a state of relaxation.
4. Prioritize Your Dog’s Comfort During Summer Socialization
Summer provides many chances to expose your dog to new sights, sounds, people, and environments as the neighborhood, trails, and local spots fill up with people.
Remember that socialization isn't about greeting everyone you see. Instead, focus on helping your dog feel comfortable and confident in the environment. This may mean staying on the outskirts at first, and that’s okay!
Before taking them with you, consider starting with:
Watching people from a distance at a park
Visiting pet-friendly stores
Exploring new walking routes
Practicing calm behavior around outdoor events
Introducing your dog to different surfaces, sounds, and environments
Not sure if your dog is ready for busier summer environments? Working with a trainer can help you create positive experiences while building confidence and skills that transfer to real-world situations. Whether your goal is a dog who can join you at outdoor restaurants, family gatherings, or weekend adventures, thoughtful training can help get you there.
5. Have a Plan for Vacation Season
Whether you're traveling with your dog or leaving them with a trusted petsitter, preparation can make the experience much smoother.
Before a trip:
Book a trusted pet sitter well in advance, if possible do a few visits beforehand to help your pup feel comfortable
Ensure identification tags and microchip information are current.
Pack familiar items such as bedding, toys, a crate, chews, and treats.
Practice short separations if your dog will be staying elsewhere.
Review basic skills like recall, loose leash walking, and settling.
A little preparation can go a long way toward reducing stress for everyone involved.
6. Don't Forget the Enrichment
Some summer days are simply too hot, or too chaotic, for long outdoor adventures. Enrichment can provide valuable mental stimulation without requiring extensive exercise.
Some simple ideas include:
Food puzzles
Frozen enrichment toys, get creative for summer fun!
Snuffle mats
Scatter feeding
Training games
Scent work activities
If finding time to meet all of your dog's physical and mental needs feels overwhelming, you're not alone. Check out our enrichment camp or done-for-you training sessions for a little extra support!
Remember to Enjoy the Season Together
Summer can be an incredible time to build memories with your dog. By balancing fun with routine, activity with rest, and adventure with thoughtful planning and prioritizing your dog’s comfort, you can help your dog navigate the season successfully.
If you're struggling with summer-specific challenges such as excitement, leash pulling, difficulty settling, preparing for vacations, or helping your dog feel comfortable in new environments, professional guidance can help. At Centre Stage Dog Training, we offer custom, in-home training programs and enrichment-focused services designed to help dogs and their families thrive in everyday life.
Whether you're heading to the beach, exploring new trails, or simply enjoying longer evenings together, a little preparation can help ensure that both you and your dog make the most of everything summer has to offer.
Thinking about adding a puppy to your family this summer? Stay tuned for next month's blog, where we'll cover everything new puppy owners need to know to get started right!