Summer with your dog should be full of good vibes.  Long walks, lazy backyard hangs, maybe even a road trip or two. But there’s one not-so-fun truth that dog parents often forget: summer can actually throw off your dog’s usual routine. And when that happens, health and happiness can take a hit.

So how do you keep your pup thriving all summer long, without turning your life upside down? Let’s break it down.

Start the Day With Movement

There’s nothing like a morning walk before the world fully wakes up. For dogs, it’s the perfect combo: cooler temps, quieter streets, and tons of new smells to explore. Getting that early movement in not only keeps their energy balanced, it sets a calming tone for the rest of the day.

Try making morning walks a non-negotiable. Even 15 minutes can work wonders—for both of you.

Keep Mealtimes Consistent (Even if Your Schedule Isn’t)

Summer can be a little chaotic. Travel plans, work-from-patio days, spontaneous outings. But through all that change, dogs feel more at ease when their basic needs follow a pattern.

Aim to feed around the same times each day, and make sure your pup has access to fresh water at all times—especially after outdoor play. On extra hot days, consider adding moisture-rich foods or topping their kibble with something tasty (Joyride Kitchen treats make a great addition).

Create Little Moments of Enrichment

With rising temps, your usual long walks might turn into shorter strolls. And that’s okay. The trick is to balance physical activity with mental stimulation—especially during midday when it's too hot to be outside for long.

Puzzle toys, basic training refreshers, or even hiding a few treats around the house can keep your dog mentally engaged. These little moments build confidence, reduce boredom, and strengthen the bond between you and your pup.

Make Rest Part of the Routine

It’s easy to fill your calendar with activities—but don’t forget that rest is essential, too. Dogs need downtime to recover, especially after stimulation or time in the heat. Whether it’s a shaded backyard nap or a cool corner of the house, make sure your dog has a calm, cozy space to recharge.

Establishing a post-walk or post-play cool-down spot (think fan nearby, chilled mat, water bowl close) can become a quiet ritual they look forward to.

Evenings Are for Unwinding

As the sun sets and the air cools, it's the perfect time to wind down together. Maybe it’s a short walk, a gentle game of tug, or just sitting on the porch side by side. Dogs thrive on knowing what’s next, and having a little evening rhythm helps ease them into a good night’s sleep.

Even if the day got busy or unpredictable, this nightly anchor can be enough to bring everything back into balance.

Summer isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Your dog doesn’t need an overly structured schedule; they just need a bit of predictability, a lot of love, and a routine that works for your lifestyle. When you tune into what helps them feel safe, seen, and satisfied, you’re already doing it right.

And the best part? The more rhythm you build into your days, the more freedom you create to truly enjoy the season together—belly rubs, backyard sprints, and all.

Oh before you go...

We’ve got a treat to share with you! Every month at Joyride Harness, we share with our email subscribers a free digital download. We’ve got new desktop and mobile wallpapers here for you with this special reminder: 

"My dog's summer bucket list: nap, eat, repeat"

How To Set The Wallpaper as Your Desktop Background

Below you will find instructions for setting the wallpaper as your background depending on which type of desktop device you’re using.

How to Set Up (Mac Users):

1. Download this file: Click Here.

2. Save the file to Pictures folder on you Mac.

3. Click the Apple Menu and select System Preferences.

4. Go to Desktop & Screensaver. 

5. In the left panel, go to Folders > Pictures. 

6. Select the downloaded image. 

OR

1. Download this file: Click Here.

2. Save the file to a preferred folder.

3. Open the folder and right click on the downloaded file.

4. Select Set Desktop Wallpaper.

How to Set Up (PC/Windows Users):

1. Download this file: Click Here.

2. Click the Windows icon on the bottom of the screen.

3. Select Settings > Personalization.

4. Click on Background.

5. Set the dropdown to Picture and click Browse below the images that appear.

6. Select the downloaded file.

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We hope you enjoy your new digital download! More on the way from Joyride Harness.

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