Summer Dog Training Tips: Keep Your Dog

Sharp and Safe in the Off-Season

When the off-season rolls in and the weather heats up, it’s the perfect time to sharpen your dog’s training in preparation for fall hunting. Whether you’re working with a seasoned hunting retriever, a young pup with upland potential, or simply maintaining the tradition passed down for generations, summer offers the daylight and flexibility to do it right. As always, Kent Cartridge supports hunters who train with purpose and preserve what matters.

Here are our top tips to keep your dog cool, safe, and progressing in the months ahead—no matter what you’re gearing up for.

1. Train During the Coolest Hours of the Day

Avoid the midday heat and schedule your sessions in the early morning or evening. These windows offer lower temperatures, less humidity, and a more focused dog. High heat can lead to quick fatigue and even heatstroke, so working around the sun is key to a productive and safe session—especially when preparing for bird season or field trials.

2. Add Water Work

Water retrieves aren’t just fun—they’re practical. They offer low-impact exercise and help regulate your dog’s body temperature. Whether you’re running drills with bumpers or simulating a waterfowl retrieve, summer is perfect for refining your dog’s confidence around water. Always ensure the pond or stream is clean and hazard-free.

3. Watch for Signs of Overheating

Dogs overheat faster than humans, especially when pushing through drills in the sun. Look for heavy panting, drooling, or sluggish behavior. If you notice any of these, stop training, move your dog to shade, and offer water. Always keep safety first—smart off-season training sets the tone for a successful hunting season.

4. Scale Back the Intensity

You don’t need marathon sessions to make progress. Keep summer training short and focused—15 to 20 minutes with breaks is often more effective. Mix in indoor work like obedience and steadiness to reinforce behavior without heat exposure. Kent Cartridge hunters know: consistency wins over intensity.

5. Prioritize Hydration

Bring cool, fresh water to every session. Use a portable bowl, add ice when possible, and encourage frequent breaks. Hydrated dogs perform better and recover faster. Just like you choose reliable loads for the field, build the same trust into your dog’s summer routine.

6. Protect the Paws

From parking lots to boat ramps, hot surfaces can burn paw pads fast. Test the ground with your hand—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. Stick to shaded trails or grassy fields when possible, especially when scouting training grounds for the next dove opener or early teal.

7. Use Positive Reinforcement

Summer is ideal for reinforcing foundational skills. Use treats, praise, or brief play sessions as a reward system. Keeping your dog engaged and enthusiastic makes training more enjoyable—and helps solidify behaviors that pay off when Kent shells are loaded and blinds are brushed.

8. Build in Downtime

Recovery is part of training. Let your dog rest between sessions, ideally in a cool, shaded space. A well-rested dog learns more effectively and reduces risk of injury. Think of it like seasoning a good shotgun—what you do between hunts matters just as much.

9. Check for Seasonal Hazards

Tall grass, thorns, ticks, and burrs can quickly become problems in the summer. After each outing, check your dog’s coat, paws, and ears. Just like you inspect your Kent ammo before the season, inspect your dog to keep them in top shape for opening day.

10. Stick to a Routine

Dogs thrive on repetition. Even with summer distractions like camping or fishing trips, try to keep a regular training schedule. The habits you build now will sharpen performance when birds are flying and you're loading up with Kent Fasteel 2.0 or Bismuth come fall.

Conclusion: Keep the Legacy Alive

Summer training isn’t just about reps—it’s about connection. It’s how we pass on the values that matter: discipline, stewardship, and respect for the outdoors. Whether you’re prepping for waterfowl season, dialing in your upland dog, or just spending quality time together, training now lays the foundation for success later.

At Kent Cartridge, we believe that what happens in the off-season shapes what happens in the blind. Train smart, stay safe, and enjoy the work—it’s all part of the hunt.