Too Hot To Handle: Working Dogs In Extreme Heat

This week has seen temperatures soaring to over 30 degrees, which has led to considerations about working dogs in extreme heat. I have had no lessons with client and their dogs as it’s not easy to get either to focus when it’s very hot. It’s also meant limited training with my own dogs and resident dogs in for training. However, instead I have changed my schedule. Each morning the dogs were trained before 10am so the heat wasn’t unbearable. Of course keeping them hydrated is vitally important, even when the mornings are cooler.

In the UK we don’t handle extreme weather well. Unlike many other European countries, when we experience extreme heat, rain or cold we seem to complain and shutdown. Dogs are able to adapt and providing they have water they can work. Running a farm means that many days I have to include my working Collie. This week Skye has had to work despite the extreme weather. The heat hasn’t stopped her and I’ve been proud of her commitment to fulfil her role around the farm.

Let’s hope we have rain next week, not only to cool the days, but to help the grass grown for my livestock.

Posted: August 14, 2022