Surviving Summer Like a Lazy Dog Trainer

My Must-Have Dog Training Gear for Hot Weather Adventures

Let’s be real: training dogs in the summer is basically a sweat lodge with treats.

Between the blazing sun, dry pavement, and your dog’s inability to not eat every weed on a hike — summer training sessions require a little extra planning and a lot more hydration.

So if you’re heading into the season with a leash in one hand and a pup panting at your side, here’s a list of my summer must-haves — Lazy Dog Trainer approved, pup tested, and heat-wave ready.

And yes, I linked them all for you. Because I love you. And because sweating is not a training strategy.

🧊 1. Cooling Vests — AKA the Pup Swamp Suit

Try: [Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Vest] This thing is magical. You soak it in water, wring it out, and boom — your dog becomes a walking swamp creature, but like, in a good way. It reflects heat, retains moisture, and makes hot days tolerable for your furry furnace.

✨ Lazy Dog Tip: Put it on during outdoor walks, hikes, or even obedience training in the backyard. A cool dog is a thinking dog.

🐾 2. Paw Protection — Because Pavement is Lava

Try: [Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots]
I know, I know — booties make dogs walk like baby giraffes at first. But trust me, they’ll adjust. And they’re a lifesaver for hot pavement, sharp rocks, and sand that could fry an egg.

✨ Lazy Dog Tip: Practice booties indoors before the hike. Or don’t — and enjoy the comedy show.

🏕️ 3. Cooling Mats — Their Favorite Summer Nap Spot

Try: [The Green Pet Shop Cooling Mat]
You don’t have to refrigerate it. You don’t have to plug it in. It just works. This magical mat activates with your dog’s body heat and cools them down on contact.

✨ Lazy Dog Tip: Toss one in your crate, under your “place” cot, or in the car post-adventure.

💧 4. Dog-Friendly Water Bottles — Share Without Backwash

Try: [MalsiPree Leak-Proof Dog Water Bottle]
This is the holy grail of walk-friendly hydration. It fits in your backpack, has a built-in bowl, and doesn’t waste water. Plus, no more awkward dog slobber in your Hydro Flask.

✨ Lazy Dog Tip: Reward calm leash behavior with a drink break. It’s both reinforcement and hydration.

🎒 5. A Cooling Bandana — Just for the Style Points

Try: [Ruffwear Cooling Neck Gaiter]
Your dog might already be cool, but now they’ll look it too. These lightweight neck wraps work like the vest — soak, wring, and go. Plus, they make your pup look like an off-duty adventure dog.

✨ Lazy Dog Tip: Rotate it halfway through your training session if the day’s extra spicy.

😎 6. Eye Pro for Cool Dogs

Try: Rex Specs V2 Dog Googles

Suns out, tongues out—but also UV rays, trail dust, and wind burn.
Rex Specs are legit eye protection for the working, hiking, high-speed dog in your life.
Bonus: you’ll get stopped constantly to answer, “Are those real goggles?!”

🧠 Lazy Trainer Pro Tips

1. Gear = Training Tools: Use the mat for “place,” the boots for confidence building, and the gaiter for desensitization.
2. Short Sessions = Big Wins: High heat = lower endurance. Work in sprints, not marathons.
3. Cool = Calm = Cooperation: Dogs learn better when they’re comfortable. You do too. Don’t fight biology.

✅ Your Homework:

Skill LevelTask🐢

Slacker SupremoPut boots or goggles on during your next nap. Reward calm. Repeat.

🐕 NormieGo for a 10-minute walk using 2 pieces of gear (boots + water bottle, mat + fan). Rate your dog’s response.

🧠 Teacher’s PetTrain your dog to target and relax on the cooling mat. Bonus: Cue it by name! “Mat time!” 😎

💬 Final Thought

Being a Lazy Dog Trainer isn’t about being passive—it’s about being prepared, playful, and paws-itively smart. 🐾
With the right tools (and a pocket full of treats), summer dog training can be successful, safe, and fun for everyone involved.

Stay cool out there,
Kendall 🐶Trainer. Author. Fan-carrying, boot-wearing, cooling-mat-loving summer survivalist.

P.S. Affiliate Magic 🛒✨

Heads up, friends! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links—especially the Amazon ones. That means if you click and buy a product, I may earn enough to buy myself a fancy coffee... or another roll of poop bags. No extra cost to you—just a high-paw to support my dog-hair-covered laptop and the time it takes to test this gear, write these blogs, and keep tails wagging. Thanks for being here. You’re my kind of human. 💛🐾