Hello, yes, the dogs do acclimate, some faster than others. Heat is my specialty here in the Cayman Islands (90 miles south of Cuba for those searching for your maps!) Last January we started a K-9 program and the dogs, a combo of Shepherds, Labs and Springer Spaniels were brought over from the U.K. A couple of the dogs had a difficult time, we almost lost one from heatstroke just from a morning walk (he is a very high drive spaniel that wouldn't relax.) Some dogs suffered from diarrhea (all the Shepherds) but eventually, they all adapted. The dogs that had the temperment to relax, sense to stay out of the afternoon sun and enjoy the frequent hosing down were the ones that adjusted quickly. I have a nice kennel on the shady side of my house that gets a nice breeze and the morning sun. I don't agree w/ air conditioning 24/7, the dogs will never acclimate and not be worth their salt working. As it is, outdoor work with my dog is limited to 20 min. tops. My new little shepherd pup is adjusting nicely and has learned to like the hose and the Spaniel has taught her the joys of swimming in the sea! That's the trick: water, water and water, swims, hose down and plenty to drink! (By the way VanCamp, 73 degrees is freezing, but I was in your neck of the woods a little while back and am envious, what a beautiful state!) I owned a Shepherd in Fl. for 10 years (and brought to Cayman) and never had a problem. She liked to swim too! Don't despair, they adjust!

 Quote:

Originally posted by VanCamp:
Hey, I track year round. Rain or shine baby. . .I'm hard core. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Me too! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Sweet, another webfoot. . . <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

VanCamp - Check your PM's

Don't tell me what to do.

Thanks for checking them VanCamp <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Sorry about that SchH3. I've spent my entire life in the southeast so it's hard to imagine what living in a place like that would be like <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> .

I can take cold or rain, but not both. Since it has to rain sooner or later, that sounds about perfect.

 Quote:

Originally posted by VanCamp:
Sweet, another webfoot. . . <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, and my rust is coming along nicely too! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Well In Louisiana we get rain, humidity,rain, humidity, did I repeat myself.
The winters are moderate and summers most times unbearable. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

As for tracking,it's all new to me and I now know the commitment it takes to train. Bests thing is it's, so much fun and challanging. Then having a great instructor helps, the dog. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I've spent some time in Vancouver, the weather there seems nice. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

In Alabama we train mostly at night, and for short peroids. Our club has good lights, and we watch for the dog to peak. It is better to train a dog twice doing short sessions, than for the dog to be working gasping for air. Even though the dogs adjust to the heat and humidity, they reach their peak pretty quicky. Of coarse conditioning plays a big role as well.

But now baby it is pretty brisk outside. The dogs love it.