Summer brings sunshine, adventure—and a few extra challenges when it comes to your dog’s behavior. From darting after squirrels to refusing to come inside, hot weather and outdoor distractions can test even the best-trained pups. The good news? You don’t need a full reset—just a few smart, fast training tweaks.
Here are 15 quick training fixes to help you handle the most common summer dog problems, so you can both enjoy the season stress-free.
1. Bolting Out the Door
Fix: Reinforce a solid “wait” or “stay” cue at all exits. Practice with rewards every time your dog pauses before heading out.
Keep a leash by the door for safety and make calm behavior the only way out.
2. Refusing to Come Inside
Fix: Don’t chase—make coming inside fun. Call them with a happy voice, toss a treat near the door, and reward when they follow.
Avoid calling them in only when the fun ends. Mix in treats, meals, or toys so “inside” feels just as good.
3. Pulling Toward Other Dogs
Fix: Use the “watch me” cue and reward your dog for checking in with you before the pull begins.
Increase distance from distractions during training walks and reward loose-leash walking consistently.
4. Chasing Bikes or Joggers
Fix: Teach a strong “leave it” cue and practice with low-level distractions first. Use distance and high-value treats for better control.
Position yourself between your dog and the path, and use calm praise when they ignore the trigger.
5. Barking at Neighbors
Fix: Teach “quiet” by rewarding your dog for silence after a bark. Interrupt with a noise (like a clap), then praise when they stop.
Use visual barriers like fencing slats or bushes to reduce trigger visibility.
6. Digging Up the Yard
Fix: Redirect digging behavior to a “legal” dig zone like a sandbox. Bury toys or treats to encourage use.
If digging is boredom-related, add more walks, fetch time, or puzzle toys to their daily routine.
7. Overheating on Walks
Fix: Train your dog to stop and drink on cue. Use a collapsible bowl and reward calm water breaks.
Walk early or late and practice walking calmly in the shade to avoid mid-day overheating.
8. Not Listening at the Park
Fix: Practice recall in low-distraction areas first, then work up to busier places. Use a long line for safety while training.
Pair “come” with high-value rewards like meat treats or favorite toys to make it worth their while.
9. Fear of Fireworks
Fix: Use desensitization by playing firework sounds at low volume and rewarding calm behavior.
Create a safe space indoors with a bed, white noise machine, and a favorite toy to reduce anxiety.
10. Chasing Wildlife
Fix: Strengthen the “look at me” cue so your dog learns to break focus on moving animals.
Reward them for eye contact and redirect to play or treat-based games when wildlife appears.
11. Refusing to Get in the Car
Fix: Use treats or toys to lure your dog into the car. Reward small steps—approaching, placing paws, jumping in.
Practice without going anywhere first, then build up to short, fun trips.
12. Jumping on Guests at BBQs
Fix: Teach a solid “sit” at the door or near guests. Reward your dog for keeping four paws on the ground.
Leash them or use a gate until they calm down, then release for polite greetings.
13. Eating Things Off the Ground
Fix: Use the “leave it” command and reward immediately when your dog turns away.
Practice with safe items indoors before trying it outside where distractions are harder.
Read More: 10 Dog Breeds That Will Outsmart Your Fences
14. Splashing in the Kiddie Pool… Constantly
Fix: Teach an “out” cue to let your dog know when pool time is over. Reward them for stepping out calmly.
Alternate splash time with other games to prevent overexcitement and make breaks easier.
Read More: 10 Dog Breeds That Will Outsmart Your Fences
15. Jumping Fences or Escaping
Fix: Increase supervision and keep your dog mentally tired with puzzle toys and games. Add height or lean-in angles to fences if needed.
Train a solid recall and use a long leash outdoors until fence behavior improves.
Summer fun doesn’t have to come with summer stress. With these fast fixes, you’ll have a more responsive, relaxed, and happier dog—ready for whatever the season brings.
Read More: 10 Times Your Pet Has Completely Embarrassed You in Public
