Author: anissas

Summer is an ideal time for dogs to explore, engage, and grow. Warm weather opens up new possibilities for physical activity, mental stimulation, and positive social experiences. These opportunities support a dog’s emotional balance, physical condition, and even enable their behavioral development. When approached with care and structure, summer activities can be a meaningful part of a whole-dog wellness routine.

Even better, these activities can be a great chance for you or your family to spend time with your furry family member in an enjoyable way. From time in the water to simply enjoying the sunshine, the opportunities are near endless for a summer of fun together.

This post outlines several common seasonal activities that promote better social skills, boost mood, and improve health outcomes for dogs. Each activity provides a specific benefit and can be adapted for dogs of different energy levels and temperaments.

Water-Based Play Supports Joint Health and Confidence

Splashing in water may look like pure fun, but it delivers significant wellness benefits for dogs. Swimming or playing in shallow water is a low-impact exercise that supports cardiovascular health and maintains joint flexibility. Dogs recovering from orthopedic injuries or managing age-related stiffness often benefit from this type of gentle movement.

In addition to physical benefits, water play supports confidence and emotional regulation. Dogs that are cautious or under-socialized may be more likely to engage in water-based activities where they feel less pressured by direct interaction. Shared play with sprinklers, baby pools, or a controlled swim session helps promote positive social behaviors in a non-competitive setting.

Supervised water activities also allow for safe temperature regulation during hot days. Regular hydration and access to cool water help prevent overheating. When combined with short rest breaks and shaded recovery areas, water-based play can be an effective strategy for keeping dogs comfortable and active.

Structured Outdoor Walks Build Mental and Emotional Stability

Leash walks are one of the most accessible summer activities for most dogs. When structured properly, outdoor walks promote sensory enrichment, leash manners, and emotional control. Exposure to new sights, smells, and textures stimulates a dog’s cognitive processing and encourages focus.

Walks also help build tolerance and calmness around other dogs. Maintaining controlled distance and brief, neutral interactions gives dogs time to develop appropriate social responses. This is particularly important for dogs with mild reactivity or limited previous exposure to group settings.

Outdoor walking in summer requires precautions to protect against heat-related issues. Dogs benefit from walking in shaded areas and having access to clean, cool water before and after activity. Monitoring for early signs of fatigue or overheating helps avoid injury or illness. It is also important to walk your dog on surfaces that do not heat under the sun in a way that would burn or hurt the pads of the dog’s feet.  Trails and grass yards or pathways are great! On the other hand, asphalt and concrete require some caution.

Playgroups Strengthen Communication and Behavioral Balance

Carefully selected playgroups provide a healthy environment for dogs to build communication skills. Play with other dogs teaches bite inhibition, body language awareness, and cooperative behaviors like taking turns. These skills are critical to a dog’s ability to engage safely and confidently with others.

Balanced group play also offers regular outlets for physical energy. This helps prevent behavior problems at home, such as chewing or hyperactivity. Dogs that regularly participate in structured group play are often more relaxed and better regulated throughout the day.

To be effective, group play must be supervised by trained staff who understand canine behavior. Dogs should be grouped by size, temperament, and play style to reduce risk and improve the quality of interaction. Play sessions should be time-limited with planned breaks and space for individual rest.

Frozen Treats and Cool Snacks Support Hydration and Positive Associations

Frozen dog-safe treats are a simple way to keep dogs cool and engaged during hot weather. Ice pops made from low-sodium broth, blended fruit, or plain yogurt can help regulate body temperature and encourage hydration. These treats are also an opportunity for training, reinforcement and emotional connection.

Offering cold snacks during or after outdoor play helps signal the transition to rest, reinforcing calm behavior. For anxious dogs, licking or chewing a frozen treat can be a self-soothing activity that lowers stress. These types of rewards are especially useful when paired with structured downtime.

Homemade frozen treats can be adapted for dogs with allergies or dietary restrictions. Always use ingredients approved by your veterinarian. Consistent access to fresh water remains essential, even with additional cooling snacks.

Mental Enrichment Reduces Anxiety and Promotes Focus

Mental enrichment can be just as important as physical exercise, especially for high-intelligence or high-energy breeds. Simple activities like nose work, puzzle toys, or scent tracking keep dogs engaged and satisfied. These exercises promote cognitive health and help dogs develop frustration tolerance.

Incorporating enrichment into daily routines can reduce anxiety and destructive behaviors. For example, short scent-search games before or after a walk help dogs shift from high arousal to calm engagement. This transition builds emotional flexibility and focus.

During summer, enrichment should be adapted for temperature and environment. Indoor scent trails, frozen food puzzles, or shaded hide-and-seek games can be excellent alternatives to outdoor play when heat limits activity time.

Training Reinforcement Enhances Communication and Confidence

Summer provides more opportunities to reinforce good behavior through consistent training. Practicing commands during everyday activities helps dogs build confidence and strengthens the dog-owner bond. Activities such as recall games, controlled greetings, or impulse control around distractions all contribute to better behavior.

Positive reinforcement techniques also support emotional stability. Dogs that feel successful and understood are less likely to act out or become overwhelmed. Practicing known behaviors in a new setting increases generalization and reliability.

Training sessions should be short and purposeful. High-value rewards, clear communication, and calm settings help dogs remain focused and engaged even in stimulating outdoor environments.

Have a great summer with your dog

Greenleaf Pet Resort integrates these activity types into its summer programming with the goal of supporting each dog’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Daycare guests have access to shaded yards with baby pools, indoor climate-controlled play spaces, and an indoor pool designed for safe swimming. Staff are trained to monitor for heat stress, support safe socialization, and provide structured rest breaks throughout the day.Each dog’s experience is shaped by their needs and preferences. Whether they thrive in water play, enjoy quiet enrichment, or benefit from gentle social exposure, Greenleaf creates an environment where dogs can grow and thrive during the summer months. Learn more about Greenleaf Pet Resort by contacting us here.

The longer days and warm weather of the sumer can mean more time for walking, playing, and bonding with your dog. But higher temperatures also bring important safety concerns. Dogs don’t sweat like humans. Instead, they rely on panting and environmental cooling to regulate their temperature. Without the right precautions, heat-related conditions can quickly develop.

This post covers essential strategies to keep dogs safe during the summer heat. From protecting sensitive paw pads to avoiding overheating and managing pool time responsibly, these tips can help prevent unnecessary stress or injury.

How Dogs Handle Heat and Why It Matters

Dogs have only a few sweat glands, mostly located in their paw pads, and cannot cool themselves by sweating through the skin like people do. Instead, they rely on panting to circulate cooler air through their bodies and release heat.

Because of this limited cooling ability, dogs are more vulnerable to dehydration, overheating  and even heatstroke. Even a short time in a hot environment without access to shade or water can overwhelm their systems. Heat can accumulate quickly, especially in dogs with dense coats, flat faces, or underlying health conditions. When a dog’s core temperature rises too high, it affects circulation, breathing, and organ function.

Understanding how dogs experience heat helps explain why summer safety practices are essential. It’s not just about comfort. It’s about protecting their physical health. Thoughtful planning, structured activity, and temperature awareness allow dogs to enjoy the season while staying safe.

This list of five tips will help keep your dog safe from the heat this summer, giving you more time to enjoy the season without worry. 

Five Summer Safety Tips for your Dog

1. Protect Paws from Hot Surfaces

Asphalt, concrete, and even sand can become dangerously hot in the summer sun. These surfaces absorb and hold heat, creating a serious risk for paw burns. If the pavement feels hot to the touch, then it’s too hot for your dog’s feet.

Choose walking routes with grass, dirt trails, or shaded areas. Walks in the morning before the sun gets too hot or late in the evening when the sun is not beating down on you both are typically safer, especially during heatwaves. Using paw wax or protective booties can add a layer of defense, particularly for dogs with light-colored or thin pads. Always check your dog’s paws after time outdoors and monitor for redness, limping, or signs of discomfort.

Heat-related paw injuries are avoidable with simple adjustments. Prioritizing surface safety helps keep walks enjoyable and prevents painful setbacks that could impact a dog’s mobility and mood.

2. Recognize the Signs of Overheating

Heatstroke in dogs is a medical emergency and can develop faster than many owners expect. Early signs include excessive panting, drooling, glazed eyes, rapid heart rate, and general lethargy. As overheating progresses, dogs may vomit, collapse, or become unresponsive.

Know your dog’s baseline behavior so you can recognize subtle changes quickly. Breeds with flatter faces, senior dogs, puppies, and those with respiratory or cardiac issues are especially vulnerable. Never ignore signs of fatigue or distress during activity.

If overheating is suspected, move your dog to a shaded or air-conditioned space, offer cool  water, and contact your veterinarian immediately. Avoid soaking a dog in cold water or using ice packs, as this can constrict blood vessels and delay cooling.

3. Keep Fresh Water Readily Available

Consistent hydration is one of the most effective ways to reduce heat stress. Dogs should have access to clean, cool water at all times, especially during and after exercise or play. If you’re spending time outdoors, bring a collapsible water bowl and take breaks every 15 to 20 minutes.

Adding a few ice cubes to a water bowl or offering dog-safe frozen snacks can increase interest in drinking. For multi-dog households or group play settings, use multiple bowls to reduce competition and allow dogs to hydrate when they choose.

Hydration supports every system in a dog’s body, from muscle function to digestion and temperature control. Keeping water accessible and refilling it frequently is one of the easiest ways to maintain health during the hotter months.

4. Supervise during swimtime

Not all dogs are natural swimmers. While many enjoy splashing or wading, deep water or unfamiliar pools can present risks. Dogs can become disoriented or fatigued quickly, leading to panic or accidental drowning.

Always supervise dogs near pools, lakes, or ponds. Introduce them to water gradually and allow them to enter and exit at their own pace. Use ramps or steps to provide safe access and ensure your dog knows how to use them. Never force a dog into water or leave them unattended around it.

Be mindful of chlorinated pools, which can irritate eyes or skin if exposure is prolonged. Rinse your dog with fresh water after swimming and check for any cuts or abrasions that may have gone unnoticed during play.

5. Take Breaks and Know When to Stop

Summer play should be balanced with plenty of rest. Dogs may push themselves when they’re excited or surrounded by others. It’s up to you to recognize when it’s time to pause. Rotate high-energy activities with quiet periods in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

Use enrichment activities that don’t rely on intense movement, like frozen food puzzles or indoor scent games. Watch for signs of overexertion, such as decreased coordination or lagging behind on walks.

Prioritizing short, high-quality activity sessions over long, continuous play can prevent fatigue and make each experience more enjoyable. Every dog benefits from clear, predictable routines that account for rest and recovery.

Prioritizing Summer Safety with Greenleaf

Greenleaf Pet Resort is built with summer safety in mind. Our play yards offer shaded areas and turf surfaces that stay cooler than concrete. Staff are trained to spot early signs of heat stress and respond quickly. Fresh water is refilled throughout the day and breaks are built into every schedule.

Our climate-controlled daycare spaces provide a cool alternative for indoor play, and our indoor pool offers a supervised swimming option that allows dogs to enjoy water without weather-related risks. Every guest receives care tailored to their physical condition, temperament, and seasonal needs.

From paw protection to hydration and supervised water time, summer safety is always a priority at Greenleaf. To learn more about our summer daycare programs contact Greenleaf Pet Resort here.

Shelly Leibowitz, founder of the Greenleaf Pet Resort, is a renowned Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist. His love for dogs began when he was a child, but growing up in the city made it challenging for him to have a best bud of his own. So instead, he started walking neighborhood dogs and working summers in dog kennels, where he got to love other people’s dogs as if they were his own. He befriended each dog, catering to all their needs and desires. These early experiences fostered a deep, unspoken bond with canines and ignited his passion for dog training.

Training was his bailiwick, and his goal was to develop this skill to become an expert in the field. Recognizing his innate talent, Shelly’s mentors encouraged him to hone his skills. He immersed himself in learning, attending seminars, and studying under esteemed trainers in the US and Europe. Over time, Shelly developed a comprehensive understanding of dog behaviors and training techniques. His expertise now spans from training companion dogs of all breeds to addressing a wide range of behavioral issues. His skills also extend to specialized training for law enforcement, contraband, explosives, the dog sport of Schutzhund, and Bat Dogs for professional baseball teams.

Shelly’s contributions to law enforcement are particularly noteworthy. He was the first professional dog trainer in New Jersey to assist in narcotic searches within schools and businesses. Today, he has become an expert ‘go-to” for canine consulting and supplying the perfect working canines for the NJ State Police, Port Authority of NY & NJ, and local state and out-of-state Police Departments. Among his many achievements, one stands out: a trained police canine under his guidance was the first to detect hidden computer memory sticks stashed by sexual offenders, leading to multiple successful arrests.

In addition to his law enforcement work, Shelly founded and led the Garden State Schutzhund Club. Schutzhund, a demanding sport requiring proficiency in tracking, obedience, and protection, saw Shelly and his dog Zion earn a place on the United States World Schutzhund Team. He also serves as the official dog trainer for the Trenton Thunder Baseball Team, training three generations of Golden Retrievers—Derby, Rookie, and Dash—as well as Casey, the star Bat-Retrieving dog for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats minor league baseball team. Shelly also provides certification for Canine Good Citizen dogs and service dogs through the AKC. 

Shelly’s passion for teaching extends beyond dogs to their owners. As the Professor of Dog Training at Greenleaf, he mentors aspiring trainers, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience. Under his guidance, Greenleaf’s professional dog training team has flourished, training countless companion dogs and receiving outstanding accolades from our clients.

At Greenleaf Pet Resort, the focus is on your dog’s holistic well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health. Central to this approach is the training philosophy that Shelly, along with his wonderful team, has created around “earning control and respect through kindness.” This approach focuses on building a solid foundation in obedience, using affection, patience, praise, and rewards to bring out the best in each dog. 

Greenleaf’s commitment to holistic well-being ensures that dogs enjoy spacious play areas and suites, personalized attention, and a hawk eye for maintaining their optimal health. Mental stimulation is provided through engaging activities and enrichment programs, while emotional well-being is nurtured through positive reinforcement and a safe, stress-free environment.

The training program at Greenleaf is divided into two phases: personalized sessions with trainers and active participation from owners. This comprehensive approach ensures that owners can effectively obtain their dog’s respect and control, fostering successful integration into their family dynamics.

This individualized training regimen, tailored to each dog’s personality and needs, has positioned Greenleaf Pet Resort as a leader in dog training. The resort’s success is evident in the numerous positive testimonials from clients and the privilege of training multiple generations of family dogs. Shelly’s dedication and innovative training methods have made Greenleaf a beacon for dog owners seeking the best for their pets.

There is nothing more gratifying than seeing a dog who enters our facility unsure of their role and leaves happier and successfully understanding their dog-to-human relationship. We love it when our training dogs return to Greenleaf for lessons, boarding, grooming, and other service, excited to see us. It validates our motto: Dogs Love Us Because We Love Dogs!

Most people think that dog training is a matter of teaching the dog to sit, to stay, or to walk with a leash. In some cases, maybe that training helps with behavioral issues or learning to shake or roll over. But those descriptions do a poor job of detailing the deeper, more significant impact that training can have on a pet.

At its best, training builds communication, trust, and confidence. It opens the door to a richer life between dog and dog-owner. Whether that means a peaceful walk through the neighborhood or a high-energy performance in front of a packed baseball stadium, both you and your dog will find greater joy if a bit of training has been introduced to your furry family member. At Greenleaf Pet Resort, we’ve spent years helping dogs reach their potential, from everyday obedience to specialized roles that delight and inspire.

Our training philosophy is grounded in respect for each dog’s personality. We focus on positive reinforcement, consistency, and gradual exposure to new environments. Whether your goal is a well-mannered companion or a working dog with a specific job, we shape training around your pet’s unique drive, temperament, and learning style.

Some of our most exciting work has been with the “bat dogs” of minor league baseball, those crowd-pleasing pups who retrieve bats after a player runs to base. These dogs aren’t just cute. They’re athletes in their own right. Their performances are the result of months of professional training, teamwork, and trust. 

Here are just two of their stories.

The Trenton Thunder Bat Dogs: A Home Run Partnership

Our journey with the Trenton Thunder began in 2008, when the team was searching for a training partner to help raise their first bat dog, Derby. After reviewing trainers across the country, they chose Greenleaf. We’ve been their trusted training facility ever since. Today, we’re proud to have trained all three of their famous bat dogs: Derby, Rookie, and Dash.

Each of these dogs began training at just three to four months old. Over the course of four to five months, we introduced them to various stadium environments, crowd noise, and the unique task of retrieving a bat. We built their drive from the ground up. We started with toys like tennis balls then gradually introducing smaller bats before eventually working with the real thing.

The results speak for themselves. These dogs have become icons in the Trenton area, adored by fans for their playful energy and charm. Their presence adds a layer of joy to the game, turning every bat retrieval into a moment of cheer. It’s more than entertainment. It’s a tradition built on skill, patience, and a deep understanding of canine behavior.

Casey the Bat Dog: A Star in New Hampshire

In 2022, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats turned to Greenleaf after seeing the Thunder’s success. They were looking for a dog that could handle the pressure of live games, complete with fireworks, loud music, and excited fans. That dog was Casey, selected for her incredible temperament and demeanor.

Casey came to us at about ten months old,. We immediately saw her potential. Like our other bat dogs, her training was rooted in exposure, repetition, and fun. We slowly introduced her to distractions and high-energy environments, always rewarding her curiosity and calm demeanor. Bit by bit, she grew more confident and began to love her job.

Within five months, Casey was ready for the spotlight. Now, she retrieves bats for the Fisher Cats with enthusiasm and focus, unfazed by the roar of the crowd. Her performances have quickly become a fan favorite…and another shining example of what a thoughtfully trained dog can accomplish.

More Than Entertainment: Real-World Applications of Training

While the bat dogs may grab headlines, they’re only one part of our training portfolio. At Greenleaf, we work with dogs that serve in law enforcement, therapy programs, and personal support roles. Our clients include police departments across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Port Authority, and schools and medical offices in need of therapy dogs.

Each of these roles requires a different skill set, but they all share a foundation in trust, consistency, and customized training. Whether it’s a dog that needs to stay calm in high-stress environments or one that provides daily comfort to a child with anxiety, we train with both purpose and compassion.

Our team knows how to bring out the best in every dog. No matter the goal, we create a clear path forward that’s grounded in experience and tailored to your dog’s needs. The same care that goes into preparing a dog for a stadium crowd goes into helping your dog become a better companion at home.

What to Expect from Training at Greenleaf

Training with us begins with a conversation. We learn about your dog’s behavior, personality, and the goals you have in mind. From there, we design a personalized plan that may include one-on-one sessions, immersion programs, or specialty training for tasks like therapy work or public access behavior.

We work with dogs of all ages and breeds, and we welcome challenges. Whether your dog is a playful puppy or a stubborn adolescent, we’re here to build a foundation that lasts. Every session focuses on building confidence and clarity, so your dog understands what’s expected and learns to respond with enthusiasm.

And while we take training seriously, we never forget that it should be enjoyable. A well-trained dog is a happy dog. And a happy dog makes for a joyful home. From the first command to advanced performance skills, we celebrate every step of the journey together.

Training with Purpose—and Joy

These stories aren’t just about entertainment. They’re about the power of patience, the impact of positive reinforcement, and the joy of seeing a dog do something they love. Whether your dream is a well-mannered family companion or something more specialized, we’re here to help you make it happen.

If you’re ready to start your training journey, we’d love to meet you and your pup. At Greenleaf Pet Resort, we don’t just teach commands. We build relationships. And sometimes, those relationships lead all the way to the pitcher’s mound. Contact us here to get your dog started on an incredible training journey.