#my 6 year old dogs who are still very active and joyful workers

[darkwood-sleddog]

Hello, I adopted a senior malamute last October, and this is the first summer I’ve had her, and she’s the first arctic breed dog I’ve had. We had no issues walking a couple miles in the winter (we live in Ohio), but now that it’s summer, she seems to struggle in the heat, so I’ve kept the walks shorter. I’d like her to stay in better shape, especially because her hips aren’t the best, but other than walking at ridiculous hours of the day (summers here are warmer now than when I was a kid), I’d like to find a way to get her more exercise without her having to deal with the heat so much. Also, my house doesn’t have a lot of floor space, and she doesn’t really play with toys. Also, also, I’ve found that she’s pretty easy to train, though she gets bored with too much repetition. I was hoping you’d have some ideas or suggestions for us. Thanks!

Ohio isn't that much different than Vermont (having lived in both states). Both have humid summers and cold winters. The not wanting to play with toys and getting bored after repetitions is pretty normal malamute behavior (hello SIGURD). If you do any training sessions indoors (especially when trying to combat heat/need for stimulation) keep things short and fun!

I consider my dogs summer to be their "vacation" from longer, harder working and walking, but they do get exercise most days. While most dogs get their fittest in summer months as their people are able to do things longer, with arctic breeds it's going to be the opposite. Keep walks short and yes, my recommendation would be to walk at those ridiculous times of the day if your dog is really struggling to adjust (early morning is going to be cooler than late evening as it's had all night to cool vs heating up during the day). You can also look for alternative locations to take your pup that might not be as hot, easy to access swimming areas, shaded trails, etc. Honestly, anything to get away from pavement and lack of trees because you would not imagine the difference in heat dirt + trees makes vs asphalt + no trees (usually a 10 degree difference here in VT on the same day). But you should also keep in mind your dog's hips and don't go anywhere she might overstrain herself. Even if you go on a short walk, bring water for your pup. Mine are happy for a drink even less than half a mile out on a hot day (on a dirt road and shaded area even).

Other things to consider:

-has she lost her winter coat? in my experience this makes a MASSIVE difference to an arctic dog's ability to acclimate to summer. Some dogs do not drop their coat on their own like it should (often time spayed females and dogs with the long coat gene), and may need extra help achieving this through grooming.

-because my dogs have less activity in the summer months i reduce their caloric intake, this also keeps them cooler as they aren't burning through calories, but please talk to your vet before doing any caloric reductions, especially with an older dog. My reductions are only ever enough to maintain body weight with reduced activity and/or drop any unwanted weight that accumulates post sled/winter season.

Also if it is super hot it is 100% okay to give your dog a day off from activity besides potty breaks. Mine are useless rugs when it gets above certain temperatures and would be very uncomfortable if forced to participate in activity. If she needs stimulation on hot days i'd reserve lots of brain games and indoor training specifically for these days.