Training on the Trail: How Walks and Hikes Are Perfect for Improving Your Dog's Obedience

When you take your dog for a walk or a hike, you're not just giving them exercise and fresh air – you're also creating an ideal opportunity to further their training and obedience. Dogs thrive on routine and structure, and outings offer the perfect environment to practice commands, deal with distractions, and strengthen your bond. Whether you're on a quiet nature trail or walking through a busy neighborhood, every outing is a chance to reinforce your dog’s skills and help them build confidence. Here’s how you can turn every walk and hike into a productive training session.

1. Practice Obedience Commands

Outings are a great time to review basic commands that are essential for your dog’s safety and good behavior. Commands like “sit,” “stay,” “leave it,” and “recall” should be second nature for your dog. During your walk, ask your dog to sit before crossing the street or to stay when encountering something exciting. These simple but important commands help keep your dog safe and remind them of their role in the walk.

Taking the time to repeat these commands in different settings will reinforce their importance. As distractions arise (such as other dogs, people, or cars), your dog will become more accustomed to responding calmly, no matter the environment.

2. Work on Focus

Focus exercises are a great way to improve your dog’s attentiveness, especially when there are many distractions. Use commands like “watch me” or “touch” to get your dog’s attention and help them focus on you instead of the environment. For instance, when your dog is about to get distracted by a squirrel, ask them to “watch me,” and reward them with praise or a treat when they focus their attention back on you.

These exercises can also be valuable in busy areas like parks or streets. When your dog gets distracted by something exciting, you’ll be able to redirect their attention back to you quickly and calmly.

3. Increase Distractions Gradually

The more you expose your dog to different distractions, the better they’ll get at staying focused. On a walk or hike, you can encounter a variety of distractions like other dogs, people, or wildlife. Gradually increase the level of distractions during your walks so your dog becomes accustomed to handling various situations.

Start with low-level distractions, such as passing pedestrians or a cyclist, and slowly introduce more challenging situations, such as encountering other dogs or wildlife. Always reward your dog for maintaining focus during these moments. Over time, your dog will learn to remain calm and responsive, even in more chaotic environments.

4. Bond With Your Dog

Training isn’t just about teaching your dog commands – it’s also about strengthening the bond you share. Walks and hikes provide a natural setting to engage with your dog in a relaxed and positive manner. During your training sessions, make sure to offer lots of praise, affection, and rewards. This positive reinforcement helps your dog learn that good behavior leads to good things.

The more you train together, the deeper your connection will grow. Your dog will come to view you as a trusted leader, and they’ll be more eager to follow your cues during walks, hikes, and other daily activities.

5. Build Confidence

One of the most rewarding benefits of training on walks and hikes is building your dog’s confidence. Dogs that regularly practice obedience commands and exposure to different environments become more self-assured, which helps them manage stress better. If your dog is nervous around other dogs or new environments, training on walks can help them feel more confident in those situations.

For example, when encountering another dog or a crowded area, reinforce calm behavior and reward your dog when they stay composed. Over time, your dog will learn that they can confidently navigate these situations without fear or anxiety.

6. Learn to Heel

Teaching your dog to heel is one of the most important obedience skills to practice while on walks or hikes. When your dog learns to heel, they’ll stay close to you and walk calmly at your side, even when there are distractions around. Heeling is an especially important skill for off-leash hikes, as it allows you to maintain control in situations where your dog might otherwise wander.

During your outings, practice heeling with both short and long durations, gradually increasing the time as your dog masters the skill. Reward them for walking close by your side, especially in environments with lots of distractions. The more you practice, the better your dog will respond to your cues.

7. Train for Recall

Training your dog to come when called is essential for their safety, particularly in outdoor settings. On walks and hikes, practice calling your dog to you and reward them when they come. This helps ensure that your dog will return to you if they stray too far or get distracted.

Start by calling your dog in a low-distraction environment and gradually increase the level of difficulty as they improve. Reward them with treats or praise every time they come to you, and make the experience enjoyable for them. A strong recall can make outdoor outings much safer and more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

8. Train for Neutrality

One of the most important skills for any dog is learning to be neutral and calm around other people, dogs, wildlife, and even bicycles. Training your dog to be neutral in these situations will make walks and hikes much more pleasant for both you and your dog. Instead of allowing your dog to bark, lunge, or react to these distractions, teach them to stay calm and focused on you.

Practice walking your dog in environments where they are likely to encounter other dogs, people, or animals. Reward them for staying neutral and not reacting to the distractions. Over time, your dog will learn to handle these situations with ease.

9. Tips for Enjoyable Hiking Experiences

In addition to training, there are a few tips to make your dog’s hiking experience more enjoyable:

• Start small: Begin with shorter hikes and gradually work up to longer distances to ensure your dog stays comfortable and enjoys the experience.

• Allow personal time: Let your dog take breaks to sniff and explore. These moments allow your dog to enjoy the outdoors while also reinforcing positive behavior.

• Be consistent: Stick to a training routine, and continue reinforcing your dog’s good behavior throughout the hike.

• Consider off-leash training: If you’re comfortable with it, train your dog to hike off-leash. Be sure to weigh the risks and ensure your dog has a strong recall before attempting it.

At Dogs Go Hiking, we understand the importance of training and outdoor exercise in your dog’s development. Our experienced dog walkers are passionate about providing a fun, safe, and enriching experience for your furry friend while helping reinforce training on every walk, hike, and outing. Whether your dog needs help with obedience, focus, or confidence-building, our team is dedicated to offering personalized care tailored to your dog’s needs. If you're ready to give your dog the exercise and training they deserve, contact us today to schedule a walk or hike and start enhancing your dog’s skills in the great outdoors!

Dogs Go Hiking has provided canine enrichment via off-road hikes and walks since 1996. We enthusiastically offer dogs the chance to stay active, build social skills, and engage their minds. Our fully insured, background checked, Pet First Aid & CPR trained expert pup guides are located on the South Shore serving the communities of Scituate, Cohasset, Norwell, and Hingham, and some parts of Marshfield. We also have a North Shore team serving pups in the communities of Newburyport, Newbury, West Newbury, Groveland, Georgetown, Rowley, Amesbury, and Salisbury.