Help! It's Toby versus walking in the heat!

2645 Views 27 Replies 15 Participants Last post by pupluv168, Jul 8, 2012

pupluv168

Discussion Starter · Jul 8, 2012

I have a problem. Across the US, it has been ridiculously hot so I doubt I am the only person dealing with this, so I figured some of you guys would have some tips.

With the extreme heat in Florida (90-100 degrees plus 100% humidity, so heat index around 110 degrees), Toby is getting to the point where he doesn't want to walk for longer than a few minutes. He does 3, 1 hour walks a day during the week with me and 4, 1 hour walks on the weekends with my dad and I. Now, with the heat, he doesn't want to walk! He will literally turn around and try to walk home. That's not like him; heel was one of the first commands he mastered. He huffs and puffs constantly. We stop every 15-30 minutes depending on the time of day to give him water, but he has just lost all motivation to walk.

I worry about him not walking as much because he is extremely energetic and needs the energy outlet. But I don't want to torture him or anything either...

What do you guys think I should do? Should I keep walking with him, start doing more frequent, shorter walks, or what? Has anyone else dealt with this?

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LaceyBlue

· #2 · Jul 8, 2012

I either walk my dogs in the am around 7-8am before it gets really hot. Or I walk them around 8:30 or 9:00pm. I also play with Lacey with the hose to get some of her energy out since she loves to chase the water.

I also play "hide and seek" type games with them. Hiding a high value treat in another part of the house and allowing them time to find it.

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LaceyBlue

· #7 · Jul 8, 2012

I put Mushers Secret on my dogs paws if I have to walk them on the hot pavement to protect their paws.

I put Lacey on a long 100 ft cable run when she plays with the water. I don't have a fenced in yard either. She never gets tangled or hurt. But I understand others not wanting to take the chance. And not all dogs enjoy the water. Lacey is the only dog out of my four who enjoys water.

If Toby likes swiming maybe take him to a safe creek/pond or a friends pool and allow him to swim? That is a good way to drain energy.

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LaceyBlue

· #10 · Jul 8, 2012

Sure a kiddie pool would work too! I have thought about trying that with Lacey. My previous Lab really enjoyed bobbing for balls in two kiddie pools I provided for him in the backyard. He also liked pawing/digging at the water.

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