Tag: pets

When temperatures soar, skipping the walk isn’t lazy—it’s smart. With the mercury rising to 30°C and beyond, it’s simply not safe to head out for your usual walk.

But that doesn’t mean your dog has to be bored, frustrated or bouncing off the walls. There are plenty of ways to keep them mentally engaged, gently stimulated, and beautifully calm—without setting paw outside.

Here are 7 simple, walk-free ways to help your dog stay cool, settled and satisfied.

1. Scatter Feeding

Ditch the bowl and let your dog forage! Sprinkle dry food or small treats across a cool room or shaded garden space and let them sniff out every last crumb.

✅ Builds calm focus

✅ Encourages natural behaviour

✅ Great for dogs who get bored easily indoors

2. Frozen Treats & Lick Mats

Stuff a Kong with their usual food, add a dollop of yoghurt or mashed banana, and freeze it. Or spread some wet food or soft cheese onto a lick mat and pop it in the fridge.

✅ Soothes and cools

✅ Encourages calming licking

✅ Keeps them busy with little effort from you-

3. DIY Scent Games

Use old cardboard boxes, flowerpots, or even rolled-up towels. Hide treats underneath, let your dog search, and reward when they find the right one.

✅ Low-energy enrichment

✅ Great for older or heat-sensitive dogs

✅ Mental exercise = physical tiredness

4. Teach a Slow Trick

Choose something gentle, like chin rest, touch, or spin. Use tiny treats and short, quiet sessions.

✅ Keeps their brain active without overexertion

✅ Strengthens your bond

✅ Ideal for rainy or too-hot days

5. Create a Chill Zone

Set up a comfy, shady spot with a fan, cool mat, and some soft background noise. Encourage your dog to relax there with a chew or frozen toy.

✅ Promotes natural resting behaviour

✅ Helps prevent overexcitement indoors

✅ Especially good for puppies and anxious dogs

6. Scentwork Indoors

Hide a scented item or even a toy with a bit of cheese scent rubbed on it. Let your dog sniff it out in one room at a time.

✅ Builds confidence

✅ Mimics working dog brain activity

✅ Great practice for anyone considering scent classes later on

7. Short, Structured Games

Play 2–3 minutes of calm games like:

Catch Me (you take a step away, they come to you for a treat)

Middle (come to stand between your legs)

Find It! (toss a treat, let them sniff and find)

✅ No high energy needed

✅ Reinforces cues and connection

✅ Keeps dogs mentally tuned-in

Final Thoughts

On hot days, your dog doesn’t need long walks to stay happy—they need the chance to use their nose, brain, and body in small, satisfying ways. Swapping your usual routine for cooler, calmer alternatives isn’t just OK… it’s brilliant.

So skip the guilt, stock the freezer, and let enrichment do the work.

Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy a slower pace together 🐾☀️

At The Canine Hub, we always say that training is a two-way conversation — but half the time, the dog is “talking” with their body, not their voice!

Learning to understand canine body language is one of the most powerful skills you can have as a dog owner.

It’s not about memorising a checklist. It’s about noticing the little things your dog is already showing you — in their tail, their ears, their eyes, even how they stand.

Here’s a simple guide to help you start reading your dog’s signals:

1. The Tail: More Than a Wag

A loose, wagging tail usually shows happiness.

A high, stiff wag can mean excitement or stress.

A low, slow wag often signals uncertainty.

A tucked tail is a big flag for fear or nervousness.

Top tip: Watch how the base of the tail moves, not just the tip!—

2. The Eyes: Windows to Emotion

Soft, blinking eyes show relaxation.

Wide, round eyes (that “whale eye” look) suggest worry.

Fixed, hard stares can be a sign of guarding or tension.

Top tip: A gentle glance away is often your dog’s polite way of saying “I’m not sure about this.”

3. The Ears: Early Warning System

Relaxed, floppy ears = calm and content.

Ears pinned back = fear or uncertainty.

Forward and tense = alert, excited or on edge.

Top tip: Learn your dog’s “neutral” ear position — every breed is different!—

4. The Body: The Bigger Picture

Loose, wiggly movement = relaxed and sociable.

Stiff, still posture = tension or unease.

Leaning forward = excitement or frustration.

Leaning back or avoiding = discomfort or caution.

Top tip: Don’t zoom in on one feature — take in the whole picture and the context.—

Why It Matters

Understanding your dog’s body language builds trust, helps you avoid conflict, and makes training smoother and more enjoyable.

It’s like learning your best friend’s favourite expressions — over time, it becomes second nature.

At The Canine Hub here in Oakley, Bedfordshire, we focus on listening to dogs first — so every class, from our Pup St🌟rter Class to our progression courses and 1-2-1s, is built around cooperation, connection and calm communication.

Looking for a friendly, local puppy class in Bedfordshire?At The Canine Hub, we offer fun, practical training for real life — from our brand new Pup St🌟rter Class to Beyond the Basics, social clubs and private sessions.

Whether you’ve just brought your puppy home or want to build on the basics, we’d love to welcome you to our next course.

Click here to view and book your place.-

Got 10 minutes and a dog with energy to burn? You don’t need fancy equipment or loads of space to give your dog a mental and physical workout. These 5 simple games are perfect for daily enrichment, training reinforcement, and good old-fashioned fun.

Try one a day this week and watch your dog’s tail wag a little harder!

1. Find It

How to play:
Toss a handful of treats into the grass, on a rug, or across the floor and say “Find it!” Let your dog sniff and hunt them out.

Why it’s great:

• Encourages natural foraging
• Great for all ages and energy levels
• Calms overexcited dogs

2. Middle

How to play:
Lure your dog to walk between your legs from behind and sit facing forward. Say “Middle!” and reward when they land in position.

Why it’s great:

• Builds confidence
• Creates a safe position in busy areas
• Reinforces focus on you

3. Catch Me (a recall boost!)

How to play:
Call your dog, then run a few steps away and let them chase you. When they reach you, mark and reward with a treat or toy.

Why it’s great:

• Reinforces recall
• Builds handler focus
• Makes training fun and interactive

4. Scatter Chase

How to play:
Toss treats gently across the ground one by one. Your dog chases, sniffs, and finds them as you toss more.

Why it’s great:

• Combines play with calm sniffing
• Perfect for pre-walk energy release
• Useful for impulse control

How to play:
Start with two toys. Ask for one by name—“Find monkey!”—and reward when they bring the right one. If they guess wrong, try again!

Why it’s great:

• Sharpens memory and problem-solving
• Builds calm focus indoors
• Can be played in small spaces

Final Thoughts

Quick games like these are a brilliant way to sneak extra training and enrichment into everyday life. Whether your dog is full of beans or needs a confidence boost, these simple ideas can make a big difference.

Just like us, dogs change as they age—but that doesn’t mean their world should shrink! Whether your dog is slowing down a little or is firmly in their golden years, there’s still so much joy, connection, and learning to be had together.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

✔ What to expect from older dogs

✔ Why training and enrichment are still important

✔ How to adapt activities to suit ageing bodies and minds

✔ How The Canine Hub’s Social Club, Variety Club and Scentwork options can help your older dog thrive

What Changes as Dogs Age?

Every dog is different, but many start showing signs of ageing around 7–10 years old, depending on breed and size. You might notice:

• A little more stiffness in the mornings
• Slower responses to cues
• Reduced interest in long walks or busy environments
• New sensitivities or anxiety in situations they previously handled with ease

These changes are natural—but they don’t mean your dog is “done” with learning or playing!

Why Enrichment & Training Still Matter

Older dogs still benefit hugely from mental stimulation, gentle physical activity, and positive reinforcement.

In fact, continuing training in later life:

• Helps maintain cognitive function and focus
• Builds confidence when physical abilities change
• Provides an outlet for dogs who still want to “do something” but need a lower-impact routine
• Keeping the brain busy keeps the spirit bright!

How to Adapt Activities for Senior Dogs

Here are a few senior-friendly ideas to keep your dog engaged and enriched:

1. Keep Training Sessions Short & Rewarding

Revisit basic cues like settle, touch, wait, and find it. These are gentle, fun and great for maintaining connection.

2. Try Low-Impact Enrichment

Puzzle toys, slow walks where they can sniff everything, and short trick sessions can be more enjoyable than long hikes.

3. Let Them Sniff!

Older dogs often love scent-based games. It taps into their natural abilities and is mentally stimulating without physical strain.

Looking for Inspiration?

Join One of Our Senior-Friendly Sessions!

At The Canine Hub, we believe every dog deserves a fulfilling, enriched life—no matter their age. That’s why we offer several options to help older dogs stay engaged, happy and confident:

Social Club

A relaxed, low-pressure environment where dogs can interact, observe, and take part in activities at their own pace.

Perfect for:

✔ Dogs who enjoy being around others but don’t want full-on play

✔ Maintaining social skills

✔ Gentle exposure to new things

Variety Club

Each session includes a mix of fun games, trick training, brain work, and confidence-building activities.

Perfect for:

✔ Older dogs who still love to “do stuff”

✔ Dogs who enjoy 1:1 time with their humans

✔ Adding gentle structure to your week

Scentwork

One of the best activities for senior dogs! It’s mentally enriching, low-impact, and builds amazing confidence and focus.

Perfect for:

✔ Dogs who love to sniff

✔ Dogs with reduced mobility

✔ Boosting calmness and connection

Final Thoughts

Age is just a number—but enrichment, connection, and joy are timeless. Your senior dog still has so much to give and gain, and with a few small adjustments, you can keep life interesting, rewarding, and full of tail wags.

🐾 Want to explore what suits your golden oldie best?

📅 Join our Social Club, Variety Club or Scentwork sessions—designed with your dog’s wellbeing in mind.

Click here to find out more and book your place!