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When your travel companion is a pet, trail obedience is a must! A pet can make or break a hike, so be sure to brush up on your commands before you set out. Moreover, hiking with an untrained pet can be dangerous for both of you.
Inevitable distractions while on the trail will test your pet’s obedience. Squirrels, other hikers, and wildlife are potential hazards if your pet is not well-trained.
As with all forms of training, obedience begins at home. You should start with the basic commands of sit, stay, come, and down. Once your pet has mastered these home commands, you can begin practicing them in other locations.
This article will look into the best ways to practice obedience with your pet so your hike will be fun and safe.
Tips to Get You Started on Practicing Trail Obedience with Your Pet.
Choose The Right Time to Train.
You and your pet will be more relaxed if you train in short sessions at home before hitting the trails. Always remember to reward your pet. You can do this with treats and praise, so they associate training with positive experiences.
This way, when you are on the trail and your pet encounters a distraction, they will be more likely to obey your commands.
Start with Basic Commands.
As mentioned earlier, begin with the basics such as sit, stay, come, and down. Once your pet has these down, you can start working on more complex commands such as the heel.
These commands will help your pet if they see something that startles them on the trail. For example, if a squirrel darting across the path causes your pet to bolt, the come command will bring them back to you.
Add Distractions.
Add some distractions during training sessions to ensure your pet pays attention to you. This could be anything from another person walking by to a noise outside. If your pet can still obey your commands with distractions, they will be more likely to do so when hiking.
Moreover, these distractions will also benefit you on the trail, as they will help you gauge your pet’s obedience level. If your pet is easily distracted, you may need to work on their training before taking them out on a hike.
Take it Slow at First.
Don’t expect too much during each training session. Start with short hikes on easy trails before moving to longer distances and more challenging terrain, as this will give your pet time to get used to hiking and being away from home.
Short hikes can also make them more likely to obey your commands since they won’t be as tired. As your pet becomes more comfortable with hiking, you can gradually increase the distance and difficulty of your hikes.
Be Consistent.
It is essential to be consistent with your commands when training your pet. If you are not consistent, your pet will become confused and less likely to obey you. For example, if you use the come command to bring your pet back to you, make sure you always use it for that purpose.
Be consistent in your wording and actions, so your pet knows what you expect of them. Please do not use the come command to call your pet to you for a treat or petting, as this will confuse them. The same goes for all other commands you use.
Reward Good Behavior.
Make sure to praise and reward your pet when they obey your commands. Positive reinforcement will help your pet to associate obeying with something pleasant. As a result, they will be more likely to obey in the future.
You can use treats, petting, or verbal praise as rewards. Just make sure the reward is something your pet likes so they will be motivated to obey.
Be Patient.
Training takes time and patience. Do not get discouraged if your pet seems not progressing as quickly as you would like. Every pet learns at its own pace, so go at a comfortable speed for both of you.
If you are frustrated, take a break and try again later. It is essential to remain calm during training so your pet does not get scared or anxious.
Ensure Food And Water Breaks.
It is essential to take food and water breaks during hikes, especially in warm weather. Your pet will become tired more quickly if they are dehydrated, so make sure to offer them water regularly.
Bring some snacks for yourself, as you will likely get hungry on the trail. It is always better to hike with more food and water than you need so you don’t have to worry about running out.
Train with Other People and Pets.
One successful way to ensure your pet pays attention to you is to train with other people and pets. This will help them learn to obey commands even when distractions are present.
If you don’t have friends or family members who can hike with you, consider joining a hiking group. This way, you can get some exercise while also socializing with your pet.
Stop if Anyone Is Getting Too Tired.
If one of you or your pet starts to get tired, it is time to head back. Hiking is fun, so don’t push yourself or your pet too hard.
Pay attention to your pet’s body language and energy level. If they seem tired, take a break and see if they recover. If not, it is probably time to go home.
Bring Along Some Supplies.
Always make sure to have everything you may require before heading out on a hike. This includes water, snacks, and a first-aid kit in case anyone gets hurt.
You should also bring a leash, even if your pet is well-trained. This way, you can keep them under control if they get too excited or see another animal.
Be Prepared for Emergencies.
It is crucial to prepare for any emergencies that might occur while you are hiking. i.e., Know how to use your first-aid kit and be aware of the nearest exit in case of a fire.
If your hiking trail is in an area with cell phone reception, bring your phone, so you can call for help if needed. If not, ensure you know the route back to your car or the trailhead so you can get help if necessary.
Never Leave Your Pet Alone.
Leave your pet alone on the trail is never a good idea. They could get lost or hurt, and you would not be there to help your pet.
If you need a break, find a place where your pet can stay with you. If this is not possible, consider finding someone else to hike with who can watch your pet while you take a break.
Check The Weather Forecast Before You Go.
Check the weather forecast before heading out on a hike. This way, you can dress appropriately and be prepared for any changes in the weather.
You should also be aware of the temperature to ensure your pet does not get too hot or cold. If the forecast calls for extreme weather, it is best to hike another day.
Be Aware of Hazards on The Trail.
There are many potential hazards on the hiking trail, so it is essential to be aware of them, including sharp rocks, slippery surfaces, and steep drop-offs.
Keep an eye out for these hazards and avoid them if possible. If you can’t avoid them, be sure to go slowly and help your pet navigate around them safely.
Follow The eave No Trace Principles.
When hiking, it is crucial to follow the Leave No Trace principles, for this means to leave the trail as you found it and not to disturb any plants or animals you see.
This also includes packing out all of your trash and not leaving anything behind. Following these principles can help preserve the hiking trails for everyone to enjoy.
Have Fun!
Hiking is supposed to be fun, so make sure to enjoy yourself! Don’t take the hike too seriously, and be sure to stop and smell the roses (or other flowers) along the way.
This would also be a great time to bond with your pet. So, take some pictures, and enjoy the time you have together.
FAQs Related to Practicing Trail Obedience with Pets
What If My Pet Gets Scared Or Refuses to Go on The Hike?
If your pet seems scared or reluctant to go on the hike, it is best to start with a shorter trail. Let your pet get used to hiking and being in nature before tackling a longer trail. You can also try carrying them for part of the hike or giving them treats along the way to help them relax.
What If My Pet Runs Off Or Gets Lost?
If your pet runs off or gets lost, stay calm and don’t panic; it is essential to bring a leash to keep them under control. If your pet does run off, try to follow their tracks. If you can’t find them, call for help and wait in one place for someone to come and find you.
What If My Pet Gets Hurt on The Hike?
If your pet gets hurt on the hike, staying calm and assessing the situation is crucial. In case of a minor injury, you may try treating it yourself. However, if it is more serious, it is best to call for help and wait for someone to come and assist you.
Conclusion
Training your pet with trail obedience takes time and patience, but it is well worth the effort. Following the above tips ensures that your hikes will be enjoyable for you and your pet.
And, who knows, maybe your pet will even enjoy it so much that they’ll want to become a hiking buddy!
