Summer Struggles: How to Keep Your Gundog Training on Track When It’s Hot

Hot weather can derail your gundog’s training. Here’s how to beat summer struggles — from heat safety to motivation dips and water work.

Summer Struggles: How to Keep Your Gundog Training on Track When It’s Hot

Hot weather can derail your gundog’s training. Here’s how to beat summer struggles — from heat safety to motivation dips and water work.

A Note Before We Start…

I should probably have written this before we had three heatwaves! But since British weather can turn on a sixpence, and there’s bound to be more hot spells before autumn arrives, it’s still worth having a plan to keep your gundog training on track safely during the summer.

Training in the Heat: Why It Matters

When the sun is out, many of us look forward to getting outdoors with our dogs. But for our gundogs, heat can pose serious risks. Unlike us, dogs can’t cool themselves efficiently, and overexertion in hot weather can quickly lead to heat stress or heatstroke.

Look for early signs of overheating:

excessive panting,
drooling,
lethargy,
bright red gums,
disorientation.

If you see these, it’s time to stop immediately, find shade, and cool your dog down.

The simplest way to avoid problems is to adjust your training times. Early mornings or late evenings are cooler, quieter, and often more productive. Keep sessions short and focused rather than long and draining, and always have water available for both you and your dog.

Water: A Blessing and a Distraction

Summer is a great time to introduce or refine water retrieves, but safety should come first.

Check the entry and exit points so your dog can get in and out easily. Slippery banks or steep drop-offs can knock confidence or cause injury.
Start with easy retrieves close to shore to build confidence before asking for distance.
Some dogs get so excited by water that retrieves can turn into play. Keep sessions short, use your cues clearly, and remember it’s fine to pause and reset if your dog gets over-excited.

Floating treats (like small puppy milk bones) can also help build confidence for hesitant swimmers.

Keeping Motivation Up

Just like us, dogs can feel less motivated in the heat. They may seem more distracted, slower, or simply uninterested in working.

Top tips:
✅ Use high-value rewards — you need to compete with the environment, so your treats or toys should be worth it.
✅ Keep it fun: work on shaded scent games, indoor heelwork, or short delivery practice in the garden.
✅ Allow rest days. Training consistently does not mean training every single day, especially when it’s hot.

Travel and Rest

If you’re travelling to training:

Plan your journey to avoid the hottest times of day.
Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
Ensure your vehicle is well-ventilated and shaded.
If you use crates, ensure airflow is good, and consider crate fans or cool mats.

Remember, it’s okay to skip training when it’s too hot. Rest days help your dog recover and maintain enthusiasm, which is more beneficial than pushing on in poor conditions.

Final Thought: Work With the Dog You Have Today

Summer is a season to adapt your training rather than abandon it. By working with the dog you have in front of you, considering the weather, and prioritising safety and fun, you’ll set your gundog up well for the season ahead.

If you’re unsure how to adapt your training to your dog’s needs in the heat, please feel free to ask during your next session — we’re here to help you and your dog thrive, no matter the weather.