Dog Commands | South San Diego Veterinary Hospital

Bonding with your dog on an outdoor adventure can be exciting. However, preparing for the adventure is the secret to having an awesome experience. Your dog should know how to behave on the hiking trail, and for that, your furry friend needs the right training. Below is a quick guide with the basic commands to help you get started.

Stop

The stop command is essential on the trail, especially if your dog ventures too far away, or is about to jump into a pond, lake, or any other dangerous situation.

You’ll need a lead line, a long stick, and some treats to train your dog. Start walking with your dog on the leash and command them to stop after a few steps. As you give the command, use the stick or trigger their collar to block their way.

If your dog stops, give them a treat, and praise them. Train them in the same way until they realize that the word stop should mean that they should stop moving forward without using any deterrent.

Recall (Come/Here)

An equally crucial command for the trail is the recall. This command can help you regain control of your furry friend when they are running far ahead of you or when there is a hazard, such as an unexpected stream, river, or wild animal.

However, your dog may find it difficult to master the "come" or "here" command because you will ask them to do the opposite of what their instinct requires on the trail. For example, they may want to chase after a squirrel they saw crossing the road, but you need them to stop and wait for you.

Therefore, once again, you need to use the treats when training them. You can either use a training whistle or verbal cues. Start walking short distances and give them a treat when they successfully listen to your cue. Initially, they will follow and stop for the treat. However, as you gradually increase the distance and distractions, keep practicing so they learn to return when called upon.

Leave It

This command can help protect your fur child from poisonous plants and other harmful items that could make them sick in the wild. To teach them, you will need a low-value and high-value treat. When you give them the low-value treat, command them to leave it. If your dog goes for it, close your hand and repeat the command. If they successfully leave it, stop trying and give them the high-value treat.

You can also try dropping something, such as a tennis ball, on the floor during training instead of the low-value treat as dogs are tempted by moving objects. Alternatively, training them outside with a real bone can make it more realistic.

Heel

The “heel” command teaches a dog to walk on their leash without pulling. Additionally, this command can help you train your canine to walk side by side with you off-leash. To succeed with this command, start walking with your dog on a leash as you offer them a treat. Associate the command with the treat. Whenever your dog starts to pull, stop and give them the command and wait for them to return to your side before handing them the treat.

Avoid yanking the leash or providing any other physical correction to your dog. They should only get the treat if they return to your side alone. Ideally, you should try teaching them in a distraction-free environment and proceed to more dynamic environments as they learn.

The health of your dog is crucial. If you need a vet checkup before or after your trip, visit us at the South San Diego Veterinary Hospital, where we are always ready to offer help.