You are right Sydney, dogs do sweat from their paws to help coll themselves down. The reason I recommended boots is that there are some dogs, assistance/service dogs, who do still have to work in hot weather and protecting them against hot pavement is important. The best way to avoid heat-stress is to not exercise dogs in the hotter parts of the day, but I still see many people doing this! I can guarantee you that our dogs would not be out exercising in the heat of their own accord. Wearing boots is ok for short periods but ultimately keeping dogs out of the heat is best! Doggy Dan

Hi Russel, make sure to provide plenty of shade and water for your puppy and the pond is a great idea for him to hop into if he needs to cool off. Given that he is still a puppy it may just be that he is also seeking a bit of security and companionship when he comes into your home. Over time, once he gets used to his role on your property, he will likely stay out with your goats more and more. Best, Doggy Dan

I understand your recommendation to put boots on to avoid burning feet. But isn’t it true that dogs can only respirate – sweat to cool down – from their tongues and their foot pads? I see dogs out on hot days with boots and sometimes in rubber ones that don’t breathe at all. Won’t this make them more likely to overheat? It seems picking a better route or picking them up and carrying them at the hot areas would be better. Or what do you think?

Thanks, Sydney

Hi Erik, thanks for the ideas…My dad once opened a bag that chemically created heat when you broke it open…he was very disappointed when it finally went cold an hour or so later! Now if it kept on producing heat THAT would be magic! Best wishes from a rainy Autumn day in New Zealand…Dan

Thanks Mark.. wow that is hot…with all that experience of hot weather feel free to add any suggestions and all the best with your training 🙂 Dan