10 Fun Dog Activities for Hot Weather Days - Surrey & Sussex Dog Trainer

When the temperatures soar, long walks and hot pavements aren’t always the best idea for our dogs.

The good news? There are loads of fun ways to keep your dog happy, stimulated and entertained without marching them round the block in 28-degree heat.

Here are 10 simple things you can do with your dog on a hot day instead of a walk.

1. Frozen Kong Time Hot Weather Activity for your Dog!

Stuff a Kong with your dog’s food, wet food, yoghurt or treats and pop it in the freezer for a few hours.

Not only does it help cool them down, but it also keeps them mentally occupied and encourages calmness.

Bonus points if it buys you half an hour of peace and quiet too.

2. Have a Sniffari in the Garden

Scatter some treats or kibble around the garden and let your dog sniff them out.

Sniffing is mentally tiring for dogs and can be surprisingly fulfilling without needing loads of physical exercise.

Even 10 minutes can take the edge off.

3. Practise Place Training

Hot weather is the perfect excuse to work on your dog’s “off switch”.

Get their place bed out and practise calm settles while you:

• drink a coffee

• answer emails

• sit in the garden

• watch TV

A dog that can relax is worth its weight in gold.

4. Frozen Treats & Doggy Ice Cream

Frozen carrots, ice cubes with treats inside, dog-safe frozen yoghurt or even homemade doggy ice creams are all great hot weather options.

Simple, cooling and entertaining.

5. Indoor Training Sessions

Who says training has to happen outdoors?

Spend 5–10 minutes practising:

• recall drills

• tricks

• heelwork

• stays

• door manners

• handling exercises

Short little sessions throughout the day are brilliant for mental stimulation.

6. Paddling Pool Fun

A shallow paddling pool in the garden can be a game changer for dogs that enjoy water.

Add a few floating toys or treats and let them have a splash about at their own pace.

Not every dog wants to swim — and that’s fine too.

7. Take Them Somewhere Cool

Instead of a long walk, why not:

• sit in the shade at a café

• pop to a dog-friendly garden centre

• sit under a tree in the park

Sometimes a change of scenery is enough.

8. Grooming & Handling Practice

Hot weather is a great time to slow things down and work on calm handling.

Brush your dog, check paws, clean ears or simply practise them settling while being touched and handled calmly.

Especially useful for puppies.

9. Play “Find It”

Hide treats around the house and encourage your dog to search for them.

Start easy and make it harder over time.

This is one of the easiest ways to mentally tire dogs out without overheating them.

10. Do Absolutely Nothing

Honestly? Sometimes this is the best option.

Not every day has to be packed with excitement and stimulation.

Dogs need rest too, and teaching them that hot days are for slowing down and relaxing is no bad thing at all.

Skipping a walk during a heatwave does not make you a bad dog owner. Keeping your dog safe and comfortable always comes first.

For more training tips and advice, visit Surrey & Sussex Dog Trainer