Indoor Training Games Give Pasadena Dogs a Break From Summer Heat

When sidewalk temperatures climb past the point where a dog’s paws can safely touch pavement, the daily walk becomes a problem. The dog still needs stimulation. The leash still hangs by the door. And the owner is left wondering what to do until the sun goes down.

Pasadena Humane is offering an answer. The organization’s “Fun Out of The Sun” workshop series, starting Saturday, June 13, moves the action indoors, teaching dogs and their owners training games, beginning scent-work and amusing tricks that can replace or supplement outdoor exercise on dangerously hot days. The 45-minute sessions are led by certified trainers at Pasadena Humane’s Behavior & Training Center on Raymond Avenue.

The workshops teach owners how to keep their dogs stimulated without a long walk in the hot sun, according to Pasadena Humane’s training program description. Trainers will demonstrate scent games and clever enrichment ideas. Each participant goes home with a pupsicle recipe to make at home.

The series runs three sessions this summer: June 13 and June 27 from 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., and July 11 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Each session costs $40. The content varies each time, so owners can attend more than once, according to Pasadena Humane’s training page.

Dogs must be accompanied by at least one adult pet parent and must be current on age-appropriate vaccines. The workshop is not appropriate for reactive or very fearful dogs, according to Pasadena Humane.

Pasadena Humane, founded in 1903, serves 11 communities including Pasadena and Altadena from its campus at 361 South Raymond Avenue. The organization helped more than 55,000 animals in 2024 through adoptions, wildlife rehabilitation, lost and found, veterinary services, training classes and surrender prevention assistance, according to its website.

“Fun Out of The Sun” takes place on Saturday, June 13, from 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Pasadena Humane Behavior & Training Center, 361 South Raymond Avenue. The cost is $40 per session. Parking is available on site. For more information, call 626-792-7151, ext. 155, or visit pasadenahumane.org.

The pavement cools eventually. Until then, there’s work to do indoors.