Loose Leash Walking
Common cues like sit and stay will help keep your dog under control during a hike, but as most areas require dogs to remain leashed, don’t underestimate the value of teaching your dog to walk politely on leash. It’s not fun or safe if your dog drags you over uneven ground and around trees. You don’t have to keep your dog in heel position, but your dog should keep pace with you rather than pull on the leash.
When you teach your dog loose leash walking, start in a quiet environment like inside the house or around the backyard. Only start distraction training when your dog is happily walking at your pace. Add distractions one at a time starting with low-level diversions like somebody walking in the distance. Then slowly increase the distractions until your dog can handle animals crossing your path or other people walking by.
Pacing Cues
Walking your dog down the sidewalk is much different than weaving between trees or hiking over rocky ground. Your two legs can have a tough time matching pace with your dog’s four with these added obstacles. Therefore, it’s helpful to teach your dog pacing cues. A cue like “easy” or “whoa” can tell your dog to slow down which is helpful when you’re struggling with rough terrain. Conversely, a cue like “let’s go” or “mush” can tell your dog to speed up. Teach these cues during your daily walks by giving the cue and then changing your pace. Reward your dog when they adjust to keep up with you.
| 
