Trainer shares six simple skills you can put into action to give your dog confidence and freedom out walking

Dog walking towards camera carrying leash in his mouth.

For many dog parents, the chance to go on adventures and explore the outdoors is one of the best parts of having a four-legged friend. Because dogs need exercise, they encourage us to leave the house even when we might not feel like it, and we can find ourselves checking out places we may never have visited when we have dogs.

But to make the most of your time outside with your dog, it’s important to train some key skills to give them plenty of confidence – and make you feel that they’re trustworthy enough to be allowed some freedom!

Bringing along some of the best dog treats is a must, of course, but the experts at Happy Dogs Training, led by founder and owner Piper M Novick, have outlined six important skills we should teach our pups too, so let’s take a look at them here.

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1. Reliable recall

This is vital to keep your dog safe, so practice training recall often, with generous rewards to make coming back to you fun! Using positive reinforcement for dogs is always a great plan of action.

2. Verbal lie down

This is ideal for emergencies, encounters with wildlife, and any unexpected situations.

“Teach your dog to respond quickly, no matter the distraction,” the experts advise.

3. Let’s go/Move along

“Whether your pup is sniffing too long or needs a nudge to stay on track,” they say, “This cue keeps your adventure moving.”

4. Pull off and stay

Particularly if you’re walking along busy routes, it’s important to be able to pull your dog to one side and keep them calm when hikers, cyclists, and other dogs pass by.

5. Hand target/Emergency recall

This is another hugely important skill to teach as a backup in difficult situations. Ensure you’re giving your dog some high-value rewards!

6. Heeling

“Navigate distractions, busy areas, or tricky trails with your dog walking calmly by your side,” the experts say. Above all, this can help you keep your dog safe, and there’s nothing more important than that.

The experts summarize: “Training these skills means more freedom for your dog and peace of mind for you. Start practicing today for safer, happier adventures!”

If you’d like to enjoy more off-leash walks with your dog, but you’re not sure about their behavior, you might find this article from a fellow dog parent interesting: My dog embarrassed me with her terrible off-leash behavior – here’s how I fixed it.