Summer is wonderful. The evenings are longer, families are spending more time outdoors and our dogs get to enjoy more adventures.
But every August we see the same thing…
Owners arrive for training saying:
“He was doing so well until the holidays.”
The truth is, your dog hasn’t forgotten everything they’ve learnt. They’ve simply had lots of opportunities to practise behaviours you didn’t want.
Here are five common mistakes we see during August—and how to avoid them.
1. Too Much Freedom Too Soon
Long walks through fields, woods and beaches can be fantastic…
…if your dog has earned that freedom.
Every time your dog ignores your recall, chases wildlife or disappears into the distance, they’re practising making their own decisions.
Remember, freedom should always be a reward for good training—not a substitute for it.
If your recall isn’t reliable, use a long line and keep building success.
2. Everyone Has Different Rules
School holidays often mean grandparents, children, friends and visitors all interacting with your dog.
One person allows jumping up.
Another feeds from the table.
Someone else calls the dog repeatedly without following through.
Dogs learn through consistency. Mixed messages create confused dogs.
Agree on the household rules and stick to them.
3. Training Stops Because You’re Busy
Many owners tell us they don’t have time to train during the summer.
The good news is that training doesn’t need an hour every day.
Five minutes of quality training is far more valuable than thirty minutes of repetition.
Practise:
- Recall before every off-lead walk.
- Loose lead walking on the way to the park.
- Sit and wait before getting out of the car.
- Calmness while you’re having a coffee.
- Placeboard work in the garden.
Little and often always wins.
4. Expecting Too Much Around Distractions
Holiday parks, beaches, cafes, village fetes and country shows are exciting places for dogs.
If your dog struggles to listen, it doesn’t mean they’re being stubborn.
It usually means you’ve asked for more than they’re ready for.
Build distractions gradually.
Success at home leads to success in the garden.
Success in the garden leads to success on walks.
Success on walks leads to success in busy environments.
Don’t skip the steps.
5. Forgetting Your Dog Is Still a Dog
This is especially important for working breeds.
Spaniels were bred to hunt.
Retrievers were bred to retrieve.
Pointers were bred to find game.
Expecting these dogs to be satisfied with one walk around the block is unrealistic.
Meeting your dog’s natural instincts through appropriate training makes life so much easier.
When dogs have an outlet for what they were bred to do, unwanted behaviours often reduce dramatically.
The Best Time to Train Is Today
You don’t need to wait until September.
You don’t need to wait until your dog is older.
And you certainly don’t need to wait until problems become bigger.
Every short training session builds another brick in the wall.
Stay consistent through August and you’ll be amazed at how much easier life feels when autumn arrives.
Want More Help?
If you’d like structured training that fits around your lifestyle, the Seadogs Training Academy gives you access to step-by-step training videos, new monthly content, practical exercises and ongoing support to help you progress with your dog.
Whether you’ve got a brand-new puppy or an experienced gundog, there’s always something new to learn.
We also run group classes, one-to-one training, workshops and training camps here at Seadogs Training, so whatever stage you’re at, we’d love to help you on your training journey.