Summer is here, and while we love spending sunny days outdoors with our furry friends, the heat can be dangerous for dogs. Here’s a brilliant solution: teach your dog fun tricks that double as cooling down activities!
Not only will your pup learn some impressive new skills, but these tricks will also provide them with a refreshing and enriching way to cool off on hot days.
Benefits of Cooling Down Tricks:
- Hydration Encouragement: Train tricks that involve fetching water bottles or retrieving water toys, encouraging your dog to drink more fluids.
- Mental Stimulation: Learning new tricks keeps your dog mentally engaged and combats boredom that can arise from staying indoors during the heat.
- Positive Reinforcement Training: The focus is on rewarding desired behaviors, strengthening your bond with your dog.
Fun and Functional Cooling Down Tricks:
“Fetch the Water Bottle”:
- Start with Luring: Hold a closed, empty water bottle in your hand near your dog’s nose. When they sniff it, take a step back (holding the bottle) and lure them to follow. Reward them with a treat when they come closer.
- Introduce the Cue: As your dog gets the hang of following the bottle, say your chosen cue word like “water bottle” or “fetch.” Reward them when they follow the bottle and nudges it with their nose.
- Level Up: Once your dog understands the cue, place the water bottle a short distance away and repeat the cue. Gradually increase the distance as they master the trick.
“Go Get a Popsicle”:
- Choose a Safe Popsicle: Use a frozen dog-safe popsicle or a frozen Kong toy stuffed with healthy frozen treats.
- Introduce the Object: Let your dog sniff and lick the frozen popsicle/toy to get them familiar with it.
- Cue and Reward: Hold the popsicle/toy and say your cue word like “popsicle” or “get it!” When your dog shows interest, reward them with a piece of the popsicle/treat or praise them excitedly.
- Fetching Fun: Move a short distance away, holding the popsicle/toy, and repeat the cue. Reward your dog when they bring it back to you.
Tips for Success:
- Short Training Sessions: Keep training sessions short and positive, especially in hot weather.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, or playtime.
- Be Patient: Learning takes time! Be patient with your dog and celebrate their progress.
- Make it Fun: Keep the training sessions lighthearted and enjoyable for both you and your dog.
By teaching your dog these “cooling down” tricks, you’ll keep them happy, hydrated, and mentally stimulated during the hot summer months. So grab some treats, a water bottle, and get ready for some fun training sessions! And if you need some help with teaching your dog some fun tricks, we would be glad to help! Check out our available training options and give us a call.
