We’ve been enjoying a bit of heat here in Northern Ireland at the moment, and if you’ve got a dog, you’ll know that usually comes with an immediate change in behaviour — suddenly every walk becomes slower, every command is negotiable, and every shady spot is treated like a five-star hotel.

I see it every year. The moment temperatures rise, dogs seem to switch into “summer mode,” which mainly involves moving at half speed and questioning the need for structure altogether. Recall becomes optional, sits are performed with dramatic flair, and heelwork turns into a relaxed wander with frequent stops for grass inspections.

And to be fair, they’ve got a point.

Hot weather affects dogs much more than people tend to realise. Footpaths can hold heat long after the sun feels like it’s gone in, energy levels drop faster, and even normally food-driven dogs can decide that training isn’t worth interrupting a good lie-down in the shade.

This is where summer training benefits from a bit of adjustment. Instead of long structured sessions, short and simple works far better. A few quick recalls in the garden, some easy engagement games in cooler areas, and then finishing while your dog is still interested is usually the best approach. Keeping it light helps maintain motivation without pushing them past their comfort level.

Walks don’t need to be rushed, either. In fact, slower is often better in warm weather. Letting your dog sniff, explore, and take breaks turns the walk into something enjoyable rather than a struggle against the heat. Mentally, that kind of freedom is still very valuable training — even if it doesn’t look like much is happening.

Early mornings and late evenings tend to be the sweet spot in this weather, when everything is a bit cooler and dogs are more willing to engage. It’s often the difference between a focused session and one where you’re mostly being ignored in favour of a particularly interesting patch of grass.

So if your dog is currently acting like summer is a personal inconvenience to them, you’re not alone. Keep things simple, keep sessions short, and accept that for a few weeks, training might look a little more relaxed than usual — but still very much part of the process.