How to Entertain Your Dog When It’s Too Humid to Go Outside

Important Things to Know

• We All Suffer! Dogs don’t like the heat any more than you do.
• Activity Peaks: Dogs are most active in the early morning, before the sun crests the horizon, and in the evening: in science speak, they are crepuscular.  
• AC Cools and Confuses: Air conditioning confuses dogs’ body rhythms—good for them, not always for you, if you don’t want to walk in the middle of the day!

Water, Water, Water

Dogs need a ton of water to regulate their body temperature. Since most of their pores are plugged with hair, water helps them stay hydrated. Place dishes of fresh, clean water indoors and out, upstairs and down. On walks, hikes, or other trips, bring a collapsible bowl or dog water bottle to keep your pal hydrated.

If you’re lucky enough to have central air, your pet may not notice the change of season until she steps outside. This is a both a blessing and a curse. Comfort is truly a blessing, but you know the real temperature and may not want to race outside in 90-degree heat. And once your fur-baby gets a lung full, she won’t want to either.

5 Ways to Entertain Your Dog Without Leaving the House

Fast-action Fun! 

The focus of this game is to keep your pet moving!  Consider her obsession—her go-to toy, bone, or ball—and buy a few. Toss one, labeling it “ball,” “toy,” or “bone,” so she’ll identify object and word. As she races to get the object, encourage her enthusiastically. Now here’s the fun part: After she's fetched the object, when she turns around to face you, extend the replica and run away from her. Break all eye contact as you say “I’ve got the better one!”  When she catches up to you, toss yours. Play this back and forth game around your home or in the hallway or on the stairs if they’re carpeted and your dog has good footing. The only goal here is to keep them moving and focused on you!

Back and Forth

Although you can play this one on your own, it’s more fun with a partner. Fill a cup or canister with treats—I call this a treat cup. Help your dog link the sound of it shaking with the reward of a goody! Either catch your dog by surprise if you’re by yourself, or stand at a distance from your partner and send your dog back and forth. This is a great opportunity to teach your dog to come to you when you call her name and even to teach her the name of various people in your home. Once your dog catches on, move farther away from your partner, or hide in between shuttles!

Since your dog or puppy will be most active...

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