Training Tip & Bonus Biscuit – 30/06/17

dog training tipsOn hot days carry plenty of water with you when walking your dog.

There are many important points to consider during the summer months when the weather can reach very high temperatures.

  1. Exercise: avoid the hot parts of the day – so look at exercising/walking your dog when it is cooler, these tend to be early morning and early evening.
  2. Keep hydrated – we are not the only ones who need to drink more during the hot weather – dogs do too. Dogs with darker coats and dogs that are overweight will struggle in higher temperatures – so make sure they have plenty to drink. There are many different water bottles, drinking bowls, water fountains that can help encourage dogs to drink more.
  3. Watch out for signs that your dog is dehydrating – overheating can be displayed as drooling excessively, heavy panting and trouble breathing. Also, the dog may become lethargic and this may progress to the dog collapsing.
  4. Keeping your dog cool – cool mats, cool coats, fans, paddling pools, shaded areas of the garden, and so on.
  5. Treats – there are lots of different cool treats your dog may like from doggy ice cream to flavoured frozen treats (such as filled kongs or flavoured popsicles).
  6. Different walks in the summer – try and look for walks that include water where your dog can swim or have some fun in the water (make sure that it is safe for your dog – check for river currents and algae), or take them for a beach walk (watch out for tides – again check before you go or check when you get to the beach) – many beaches still allow dogs all year round – please check before you go.
  7. Travelling – Do Not Leave Your Dog In A Car – Dogs Die In Hot Cars.
  8. If it is too hot – then make it fun at home with some mentally stimulating food activity toys or games, re-visit some basic training or teach them a new trick.
  9. During hot weather humans can become short-tempered due to the heat, lack of sleep due to the humidity, etc – this too can apply to our dogs.

Remember: stay safe and stay cool and enjoy the summer month having fun with your dog.

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