As the next heat wave approaches, it is important to find safe, creative ways to keep our dogs both mentally and physically stimulated. Just because it is too hot for long walks or park adventures does not mean your dog has to be bored. Here are some of our favourite ways to keep your dog active indoors, as well as safe outdoor activities to help burn energy without overheating.
Indoor Activities to Burn Energy and Stimulate the Mind
1. Obedience Drills with a Twist
Work on basic commands like sit, down, stay, and recall. Make it more engaging by adding movement between rooms or people. Use food rewards or favourite toys to keep motivation high.
2. Hide and Seek
Have your dog stay while you find a hiding spot, then call them to come find you. It is a simple but effective way to build recall and provide mental stimulation. If you have kids, get them involved by having them take turns hiding. Make it fun for everyone. If you do not have children but your spouse or a friend is willing, they can join in by hiding with a favourite toy, tug, or ball to add excitement and variety to the game.
3. Treadmill or Slatmill Work
If your dog is trained to walk or run on a treadmill or slatmill, this is a great way to release energy indoors. Start slowly and always supervise the session to ensure safety.
4. Meals in Puzzle Toys
Turn mealtime into a challenge by using puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, snuffle mats, or snuffle balls. You can even use their regular meal during obedience training to keep skills sharp and reinforce behaviours.
For dogs working on their duration down stay, consider using a remote reward trainer like the Treat & Train. You can set it to dispense treats on a timer, allowing you to reinforce calm, settled behaviour without needing to stand nearby. It is a great way to build longer down stays while you focus on other tasks around the house.
5. Scent Work Games
Use your dog’s natural ability by hiding treats or scent pods around the house. Start with easy locations and gradually increase the difficulty. To keep it interesting, hide the pods both high and low, and place small obstacles in the way to encourage problem-solving. This kind of challenge taps into your dog’s instincts and is an excellent way to provide mental enrichment and burn energy indoors.
6. Place Commands in Different Rooms
Practice sending your dog to different “place” locations around the home, such as a mat in the kitchen, a bed in the living room, or a crate in the hallway. You can bring their bed from room to room, or teach them a specific place to settle in each area of the house. This helps build impulse control, encourages calm behaviour in new contexts, and reinforces listening even when the environment changes.
Safe and Cool Outdoor Fun
1. Swimming
If your dog enjoys the water, swimming is a fun and low-impact way to burn energy. You can toss floating toys or practice water retrieves. Always supervise your dog and ensure the water is safe and clean.
2. Walks During Cooler Hours
Plan outdoor walks early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is low. Pavement is cooler, and the environment is less intense. A walk in the dark can also be a great opportunity to build confidence and focus in a new setting.
3. Visits to Pet-Friendly Stores
Take advantage of air-conditioned pet-friendly stores for a change of environment. Practice polite walking and basic obedience while exploring new smells and distractions. For added enrichment, ask permission and hide scent pods among the shelves for a fun challenge.
General Tips to Beat the Heat
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Provide fresh, cool water at all times
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Avoid walking on hot pavement, which can burn paws
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Watch for signs of heat stress such as heavy panting, drooling, or disorientation
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Use cooling mats, fans, and shaded areas to keep your dog comfortable
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Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a short time
Final Tips to Beat the Heat
With a bit of creativity and planning, you can help your dog stay happy, healthy, and mentally enriched even during the hottest days of summer. Keep sessions fun and short, and always leave them wanting more. A few minutes of focused engagement is often more valuable than a long session that drags on. Watch your dog’s energy, adjust as needed, and most importantly, enjoy the time together.