4 Training Your Dog Needs To Hike With You

What's a more exciting outdoor adventure than going hiking with your dog? Not only is it a great way to explore nature, but also an excellent way of getting exercise. However, before you take your dog on the trail, you should train them so that things would go smoothly.

Loose Leash Walking

Before hiking with your dog, you must teach them how to walk calmly on a leash because it is unsafe for them to drag you over uneven ground and around trees. Train your dog to keep pace with you rather than pull on the leash.

Pacing Cues

Your dog's four legs can help them navigate rocky ground and obstacles faster than your two legs. Teaching your dog pacing cues can help you get them to slow down when you're going through rough terrain or speed up when they are lagging.

Focus Work

Many things can distract your dog while hiking, preventing them from paying attention to you. Teach your dog cues such as "watch me", "shake me", or anything that would turn their head away from the distraction.

Safety cues

You would encounter toxic plants, garbages, and other things that would make your dog sick if they eat them. Your dog must understand cues such as "drop it" and "leave it" to guarantee their safety.