Hiking. We all LOVE hiking (or biking, or skiing or… you get the point) around here!
You may have read my Dog Trail Etiquette blog (no, Click HERE to read), and this may have you wondering: what are the key things your dog should know when out in the wilderness?
There are a few cues that are MUST KNOWS for me, when I take my dog out. Below, I list the cues, what they mean, and how/why I use them!
1. COME:
The recall cue, to me, is the #1 most important thing your dog should know! The recall allows you to call your dog back to you when something potentially dangerous might happen.
An unfriendly dog up ahead? COME!
Snake on the trail? COME!
Horses around the next corner? COME!
This is a great cue all dogs should know, and one that owners should work really hard to train!
2. WAIT:
Wait is a cue that means STOP WHERE YOU ARE! I use this cue waaay more often than my Recall, but I still consider the recall most important for emergency situations.
Wait allows me to stop my dog in place. My dog will wait until I get to them, and allow them to continue. Sometimes I leash the dog up, sometimes I just release them back to being a dog.
So when do I use this?
If there is a stream crossing with fast moving water, I might have my dog Wait so I can spot them.
If I see other off-leash dogs, and want to make sure they are friendly before my dog says hello, I have my dog Wait.
If I see families or bicycles coming down the trail, I have my dog Wait. I do not want my dog getting in the way of a bicycle or licking toddlers in the face!
Lastly, if my dog goes #2, I need to either bag it or bury it, so I have my dog Wait while I do that.
3. Leash Manners/Heel
Leash Manners are KEY for enjoying the outdoors with your dog. Why? Because sometimes, you need a leash. Maybe it's crowded, or maybe there are hazards nearby.
Recently I enjoyed a short hike to Eagle Lake. Anyone who has done this hike knows it is usually crowded until the falls. Because it was so crowded the first half of the hike, I kept my dog on leash. When we passed larger groups, I had her heel so she would not get in anyone's way.
4. DOWN
This cue is great for those long trips where you will be taking breaks. When I stop for a rest, a snack, and some water, I want my dog to lay down near me and stay there. This allows me to relax while i rehydrate, and if my dog needs food or water I can easily offer them some.
This cue can also be used with the Wait cue. I can ask my dog to Wait, then Down, so they stay down while I catch up.
What do you think is most important for your dog to know when hiking?