Summer Isn’t Easy (And That’s Okay)

The less people you invite, the more you have for yourself, and your dog!

Summer brings longer days, open doors, and that unmistakable whiff of barbecued something drifting over the fence. It’s a season that screams fun, freedom, spontaneity.

But for our dogs—especially rescues—summer can be… a lot.

A lot of heat.

A lot of noise.

A lot of comings and goings.

And a lot of change they didn’t see coming.

If your dog is showing more stress than sunshine this month, you’re not alone.

And you’re not doing anything wrong. Let’s talk about what’s really going on—and how you can support them without pressure, guilt, or gadgets.

Heat: Slowing Down Isn’t Lazy—It’s Leadership

We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: dogs don’t need daily walks when it’s hot. They don’t sweat like us. They regulate through panting. Add heat, nerves, and stimulation—and you’ve got an overwhelmed dog struggling to breathe, not enjoying the view.

Skip the lunchtime stroll. Skip the park. Go early. Go late. Or don’t go at all.

What helps instead?

• Time on cool tiles (Charlie and Elsie’s favourite place).

• A frozen bowl of water or a few ice cubes to chase—not a gimmick, just hydration made playful.

• You. Sitting. Calm and close by.

Slowing down isn’t a sign you’re slacking. It’s a sign you’re tuned in.

Visitors, Garden Chaos & That ‘Be Social’ Pressure

Dogs are not accessories to your summer plans. They’re not programmed to enjoy garden parties, surprise visits, or a loud garden full of unfamiliar smells and people.

Rescues especially—who are still learning who they can trust—may find this overwhelming, not exciting.

If your dog hides in the bedroom? Great. Let them. If they bark at a stranger in the garden? They’re communicating. If they chew something when you have guests over? That’s stress—not spite.

You’re allowed to protect your dog’s space. You’re allowed to say, “no dog cuddles today” to guests. You’re allowed to choose calm over chaos.

This isn’t about being antisocial. It’s about being your dog’s advocate.

Familiar, Not Fixed: Presence Matters More Than Precision

Summer changes the rhythm of life—school’s out, alarms are off, and plans get spontaneous. But dogs don’t need perfect routines. They need calm, kind leadership.

If breakfast is late? Fine.

If a walk is skipped? Also fine.

If you spend half the day in quiet companionship, doing “nothing”? That’s gold.

It’s not about what you do. It’s how you do it.

• Stay grounded.

• Stay predictable in energy, not schedule.

• Show up the same way, even if the day looks different.

That’s what helps your dog feel safe—not a clock.

This Is Why Rescue Dogs ‘Fail’—And Why That’s Not On Them

We spend years teaching our children how to cope with life’s ups and downs. We support our partners. We check in with friends. We educate, reassure, explain.

But with dogs?

We expect them to drop in, decode our lives, adapt on arrival, and behave to standard—especially in summer when everything is louder, faster, hotter.

And when they don’t? They get labelled reactive. Difficult. Failing.

But what’s really happening?

They’re confused.

They were just getting used to the home you introduced them to… and then suddenly there are people everywhere, smells of meat in the air, kids up late, fireworks out of nowhere.

We have to stop expecting dogs to be resilient in chaos they didn’t choose.

You Lead by Being Safe, Not Busy

Calm isn’t nothing. It’s everything.

You don’t need a new gadget. You don’t need a walk in 27-degree heat to “stimulate” them. You don’t need a crowd of people to “socialise” them.

You need stillness.

You need awareness.

You need the courage to say, “This isn’t right for my dog.”

That’s leadership.

In Summary

• Heat is exhausting. Rest is the medicine.

• Visitors are optional. Boundaries aren’t.

• Routine is helpful, but your energy matters more.

• Summer isn’t always fun for dogs. And that’s okay.

If you’re doing less right now, you’re doing just fine. If your dog is hiding or snoozing more—good. Let them. If you’re staying in instead of heading out—it means you’re listening.

You don’t need to perform to be a good guardian.

Just be there. That’s enough.

Thanks for reading,

Russ 🐾

Scout’s honour. Paw on heart.