Are the cooler temps causing your dog to act like a wild child right now? You’re not alone!
As the temperatures in Washington, DC finally start to cool down, you might notice a big change in your dog’s behavior. After those long, hot, and humid summer months, many dogs get a sudden burst of energy when the cooler weather hits. It’s like they’re waking up from a summer hibernation! While this can be fun for them, it can also lead to some challenging behavior changes that might catch you off guard.
Why Does This Happen?
In the sweltering heat of summer, it’s only natural for dogs to slow down. Just like us, they don’t want to exert themselves when it’s uncomfortably hot outside. Walks are shorter, playtime is more relaxed, and lounging in the AC becomes their favorite pastime. But when that crisp fall air rolls in, it’s as if they’ve suddenly hit the refresh button. Many breeds, especially working dogs, thrive in cooler weather. You’ll see them pulling harder on the leash, barking more, jumping around, and generally being more enthusiastic during their daily routines.
Sound Familiar?
If you’re finding your dog is suddenly harder to handle, you’re not alone! This is something many dog owners experience when the seasons change, and it’s one of the reasons we see a spike in training clients this time of year. Dogs that were calm and easygoing during the summer may now seem like they have a never-ending supply of energy, leading to behaviors like:
Pulling on the leash: Your dog is excited to explore now that it’s not 95 degrees outside.
Jumping: That pent-up energy often leads to more jumping on people and furniture.
Barking: Cooler weather can make dogs more alert and reactive to noises or movement outside. Plus… squirrels!
What Can You Do?
First, it’s important to know that this is a completely normal response for dogs. Your dog’s sudden behavior changes are not a sign that they’re “bad” or “uncontrollable.” They’re simply responding to the environment – and that’s where we can step in to help. Fall is the perfect time to re-establish or reinforce training routines. Whether your dog is just starting their training journey or needs a little refresher, addressing these behavior issues now will make the cooler months more enjoyable for both of you.
You're Not Alone
Remember, we’re here to help! We’ve seen this seasonal shift in dog behavior time and time again. The good news is that with the right training, you can channel that extra energy into something productive. Whether it’s leash manners, jumping control, reducing barking, or training a reliable off leash dog so that you can hike away that extra oomph, we’re here to guide you through it. You’re not the only one dealing with a suddenly energetic dog – and we know exactly how to get things back on track.
So if your dog is pulling you down the street or jumping all over your guests, reach out! We can help you get ahead of these issues before they become habits. Let’s work together to ensure your dog’s cooler weather energy is a positive experience for everyone.
Want to book some cooler weather training? We’d love to!
The first step is to contact us. We’d love to put together a customized package to help your dog.