Weather, Temperature & Environmental Conditions Policy

The welfare and safety of all dogs in my care is my priority. As part of this commitment, weather conditions will always be considered when delivering Day Train and Walk & Train services.

Hot Weather

To reduce the risk of heat-related illness and heatstroke:

  • Walk & Train services will not take place when temperatures reach or exceed 23°C.

  • For dogs considered to be at an increased risk of heat-related illness, outdoor walking and training may be suspended when temperatures reach or exceed 19°C.

This includes, but is not limited to:

Brachycephalic (Flat-Faced) Breeds

  • French Bulldog

  • English Bulldog

  • Pug

  • Boston Terrier

  • Boxer

  • Shih Tzu

  • Pekingese

  • Lhasa Apso

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

  • Dogue de Bordeaux

  • Bullmastiff

Large and Giant Breeds

  • Great Dane

  • Saint Bernard

  • Newfoundland

  • Leonberger

  • Irish Wolfhound

  • Scottish Deerhound

  • Mastiff

  • Neapolitan Mastiff

  • Cane Corso

  • Great Swiss Mountain Dog

  • Bernese Mountain Dog

  • Anatolian Shepherd

  • Giant Schnauzer

Other Dogs at Increased Risk

  • Puppies under 12 months

  • Senior dogs

  • Overweight or obese dogs

  • Dogs with respiratory conditions

  • Dogs with heart conditions

  • Dogs recovering from injury or illness

  • Dogs with thick double coats

  • Dogs with a history of heat sensitivity or heatstroke

ViridianK9s reserves the right to classify any dog as high-risk based on its breed, age, weight, coat type, medical history, fitness level, or environmental conditions.

Where possible, Day Train and Walk & Train sessions will be adapted rather than cancelled and may include:

  • Home visits

  • Indoor training

  • Garden-based training

  • Enrichment activities

  • Scentwork

  • Engagement and obedience training within the home environment

Cold, Wet & Muddy Weather

During the autumn and winter months, dogs attending Day Train and Walk & Train services must be equipped with suitable weather protection.

Where conditions are wet, muddy, or persistently rainy, owners are required to provide an appropriately fitted Equafleece or equivalent coat that covers the dog's chest, shoulders, and front legs. Standard back-only coats are not considered suitable for Day Train or Walk & Train services during wet and muddy conditions.

This helps keep dogs comfortable, reduces the risk of them becoming excessively cold, and prevents unnecessary mud and moisture being transferred into vehicles, equipment, training locations, and other clients' properties.

Dogs that arrive for collection without suitable weather protection during periods where it is required will not be collected for their scheduled Day Train or Walk & Train service.

In these circumstances, the service will be cancelled and a 50% refund will be issued to cover the time, travel, and resources already allocated to the booking.

It is the owner's responsibility to ensure their dog's coat is clean, correctly fitted, and available for collection on the day of the service.

Severe Weather

ViridianK9s reserves the right to alter, postpone, shorten, relocate, or cancel Day Train and Walk & Train services where weather conditions are considered unsafe, including but not limited to:

  • High temperatures

  • Snow and ice

  • Heavy rain

  • Flooding

  • Strong winds

  • Storms

  • Weather warnings issued by the Met Office

Any changes will be communicated to owners as soon as reasonably possible.

The welfare of the dog will always take precedence over completing a planned outdoor training session.