4 Tips for Training Your Dog on Hot Summer Days
While summer gives you and your pooch plenty of opportunities to get fresh air and explore new locations, the high temperatures can create a dangerous environment. Here are some tips for training your pooch on hot summer days.
Monitor Pavement Temperatures
On sunny summer days, pavements, roads, and sand can become excruciatingly hot. While it’s easy for you to wear shoes or sandals while you’re out training your dog, their paws can get burnt. Monitoring the weather and the pavement’s surface before you take your dog out to train can help determine whether the day is right to teach.
You can do a pavement touch test by resting your hand on the ground for five seconds; if it’s too hot on your bare skin, it’s safe to assume that the pavement or road might not be safe for your furry friend. Wait to go out until ground temperatures have cooled down and become more tolerable for your pooch.
Determine Optimal Training Time
The time of day matters when it comes to training your dog. On hot summer days, you should wait inside or take them out in short intervals to prevent heat stroke and bodily discomfort. Taking your dog outside before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. can offer cooler temperatures to make training more comfortable for everyone.
Keep Your Pooch Hydrated
After training your pooch, remember to keep your furry companion hydrated throughout the day. During sunny, humid days, prepare a travel water bowl and water bottles so your pup can stay hydrated during their breaks. The last thing you want is for your dog to feel overheated and struggle to keep up.
Watch Out for Heatstroke
When you train your dog in hot summer weather, ensure you monitor your dog’s comfort. Your dog can become prone to heatstroke—a life-threatening emergency—and recognizing signs of heatstroke can prevent bodily harm. Some signs include:
Weakness or collapsing
Breathing issues
Very heavy breathing or inability to stop panting
Mouth foaming and bright red gums
Diarrhea and vomiting
Confusion and seizures
While training your dog is essential to creating obedient, happy dogs, know when to take breaks and choose times throughout the day with less intense temperatures.
Benchmark Dog Training dedicates itself to creating and homing in on creating positive dog behaviors and responses. Our dog training company invests in your and your pooch’s relationship by helping you reach your goals for your furry companion. If you have any questions about our training and boarding services, contact our team today.