Summer in the UK usually means mild, pleasant weather, but now and then, we’re hit with sudden heatwaves where temperatures rise rapidly and stay high for a few days before dropping again just as quickly. These short bursts of heat can be hard on our dogs, especially breeds like Border Collies.
Unlike in countries where the climate is consistently hot during summer and dogs have time to gradually acclimatise, here in the UK, our dogs don’t get the chance to adapt. Their bodies aren’t prepared to cope with the sudden heat, which makes them more vulnerable to overheating and heatstroke.
This is particularly important to keep in mind with Border Collies, who are notoriously energetic and high-drive. Many of them don’t look like they’re struggling, they’ll keep working or playing even as their body temperature rises. That’s why it’s up to us to step in and adjust their routines during hot spells.
No Ball Throwing or Long Walks on Roads
Even if your Collie seems keen to go, hot tarmac and overexertion in high temperatures are dangerous.
- Pavements heat up fast and can burn paw pads
- Dogs only cool down through panting and their paws, which is inefficient
- Excitement masks fatigue and heat stress, especially in Border Collies who love their jobs and won’t quit
Instead, summer heatwaves are the perfect excuse to focus on low-impact but high-value activities that keep their brains engaged without overheating their bodies.
1. Trick Training (Minimal Movement, Maximum Brainwork)
Trick training is a brilliant way to stimulate your Collie mentally and reinforce your bond all without needing much space or movement.
Here are a few easy-to-teach options:
- Nose Touch – Present your open palm. When your dog sniffs or touches it, mark and reward. Add a cue like “touch” once they understand the game.
- Middle (Between Your Legs) – Lure your dog to step between your legs from behind. Mark and reward when they’re in position. This builds body confidence and focus.
- Heel Position – Lure them around behind you into position at your side. Add a sit if you want to tidy it up. It’s a great foundation for more advanced obedience work later on.
These tricks don’t require running, but they do require thinking and that’s exactly the kind of stimulation your Border Collie thrives o.
2. Handling & Grooming Practice
Hot weather is also tick season, and dry grass or seeds can easily irritate skin, ears, or paws. So this is a great time to work on cooperative care, teaching your dog to enjoy being groomed and examined.
You can:
- Gently brush your dog with lots of rewards
- Check ears, paws, and tail regularly
- Desensitise them to being touched by pairing short, calm touches with treats
If your dog finds this stressful or resists being checked over, I’m running an online workshop using a protoclcalled The Dopamine Box — designed to build positive, predictable handling routines that your dog can actively enjoy.
Garden Water Retrieve (If You Have Outdoor Space)
Got a shady garden and a kid’s paddling pool? Then you’ve got the perfect setup to start teaching a fun, water-based retrieve, perfect prep for beach trips or lake days later in summer.
How to start:
- Use a floating toy your dog loves, Try the Bob from Tugg E Nuff (get a 10% off on me)
- Drop it into the shallow pool and encourage them to retrieve it
- Mark and reward their success with a treat or by throwing the toy back in the water
- Keep the water cool and make sure they don’t get too hot and stay alway wet
Need more ideas to keep your Border Collie engaged – even when they can’t go for long walks?
Try the 5-day trial of my online membership, The Collie Club.
Inside, you’ll find practical training games, calmness strategies, and mindset tools to keep your high-drive dog mentally fulfilled — no matter the weather.
👉 Join the 5-day trial now and start transforming your summer days together!
