Summer is well and truly here and many of us have been surprised (pleasantly or otherwise) by the extended period of warm weather that Britain has experienced this year. Unfortunately dogs really don’t enjoy very warm weather. For breeds with particularly dense coats, their normal activities can be downright dangerous for them. How do you exercise your dog sufficiently on those hot or humid days? We’ve come up with some suggestion for things to do in the summer with your dog so that he or she can still exercise, but do so in a safe way.
Find a shady area to walk
You may have to divert from your ordinary walking route for a while until the weather cools down a bit. Finding wooded walks can be a good option, particularly if you go out early in the morning. Even if you are walking in the shade, it’s still important to keep these walks shorter than usual. Your dog will probably get more thirsty than usual too. Ensure that there is plenty of water for your dog to drink.
Make an indoor agility course
If the weather is just too warm for comfortable walks outside, there are other things to do in the summer. Setting up an agility course in your own living room is one option. It is possible to purchase objects like tunnels, hoops, and hurdles for your pet, but if your budget doesn’t stretch to those, simply look around your home and everyday objects can achieve a similar result. Set up obstacles with items like brooms or rolled up blankets and encourage your pet to jump over these obstacles. Initially, you can jump over the obstacles too, but aim to progress to verbal cues. Items like newspaper or foil on the ground, help your dog to get familiar with different textures and sounds under his paws. Add a collapsed tunnel adventure by using a chair draped in a blanket – sit at one end and encourage your pet to go through. After all the fun, why not provide him with a frozen treat to quench his thirst?
Go to an indoor dog park or dog gym
Indoor dog parks are essentially like soft play centres for dogs. Designed for year-round use, but particularly helpful in extremes of weather, indoor dog parks are a great option for fun things to do in the summer. You can sign up for an agility class, a splash in a paddling pool, or even have a go at doga (yoga with your dog!). Installing a Travall Liner in the boot of your car ensures easy clean up from water-based activities when you get home. Many indoor dog parks have opened throughout the UK, so check online to find one in your area. Dog gyms are similar but have a stronger emphasis on the dog’s fitness. They offer a broad range of gym exercises for dogs and even offer hydrotherapy pools.
