Summer Essentials

A Quick Note on ADW Class Times and Hot Weather

In extreme heat, training classes may occasionally be rescheduled to earlier mornings or cooler evenings to prioritise dog welfare.

You can read the full Hot Weather Policy here.

Warmer weather can make travelling and exercise much harder for dogs than many people realise, so a little preparation goes a long way.

This guide shares the things I personally use and consider before travelling to classes, training days and shows to help dogs stay comfortable, safe and happy.

Quick Summer Checklist

For travel:

☐ Comfortable bed
☐ Water bowl
☐ Fan or airflow setup
☐ Cooling mat or damp towel

During activity:

☐ Plenty of fresh water
☐ Shade (umbrella, crate cover, trees etc.)
☐ Cooling options available
☐ Somewhere quiet to rest

After exercise:

☐ Hydrating treats or chews

More details below if you'd like ideas on what I use.

Before You Leave: Think About the Journey Too

We often focus on the activity itself, but the journey can sometimes be the warmest and most uncomfortable part of the day, particularly if your dog travels in a crate.

Water Available During Travel

Non-spill bowls can make life easier and encourage regular drinking without soaking their space.

• Non-spill water bowl

Extra Airflow

Battery-operated fans can help improve ventilation, particularly when stationary. Some people also place a frozen bottle of water in front of a fan to create cooler airflow.

• I use a battery-compatible fan which works with the same batteries as my power tools.

Cooling Options

A cool mat, damp towel or wrapped frozen water bottle can provide additional comfort on warmer days.

Remember: Cooling should feel comfortable, not cold. Dogs should always be able to move away if they choose.

During Training, Classes or Shows

Once you've arrived, the goal becomes balancing activity with rest.

Even enthusiastic dogs often keep working long after they are becoming tired or warm, so building in opportunities to cool down and settle can make a big difference.

Fresh Water

Bring more than you think you'll need for both you and your dog.

• I use this bottle/bowl combo

Cooling Coats and Keeping Dogs Cool

Cooling coats can work really well between exercises and runs.

Keep checking them throughout the day — if cooling products dry out completely, they become counterproductive.

If water is available, consider showering or hosing your dog down (coat or no coat) before they start. Keeping their fur damp can help dogs stay cooler through evaporative cooling, particularly before training or between runs.

• I use the Hurtta cooling coat between runs.
• I carry a Mud Daddy if I need to rinse my dogs.

Shade

Natural shade is ideal where available, but portable options can help create cooler resting areas.

• Aluminet or a large umbrella can make a huge difference.

A Quiet Place To Settle

Crates, beds or designated rest spaces help dogs switch off between exercises instead of remaining constantly stimulated.

• Portable crates can help dogs settle and rest properly.

After Class or After the Show

Once the work is done, I like giving dogs something refreshing that also helps with hydration.

• Frozen bone broth lollies
• Frozen pumpkin puree pops

One of my favourite post-class moments is seeing dogs happily settle with their frozen treats.

Photo: Sandy enjoying a frozen pumpkin puree lolly with a fish chew stick.

A Few Hot Weather Reminders

• If the ground feels too hot for your hand, it may be too hot for paws.
• Plan activities for cooler times of day where possible.
• Watch your individual dog rather than the weather app — some dogs struggle much sooner than others.
• Older dogs, puppies and some breeds may need additional consideration.
• If your dog seems unusually tired or reluctant, give them time to rest.

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