3 Essential Commands for Safe & Fun Summer Adventures with Your Dog

Article by: Madeleine Smith

Summer is the perfect time to introduce these commands to ensure you have a safety net for your dog when doing outside adventures. Whether you're hiking on a trail, camping by the lake, or just enjoying long walks at the park, having a few essential commands in your dog's vocabulary can make all the difference in keeping them safe — and giving you peace of mind. Here are three must-know commands for all your summer adventures:

1. Halt – Your First Line of Safety

Halt is a command that stops the dog right in their tracks, regardless of what is happening within the environment. Whether they’re walking, trotting, or running, it will stop them. This is especially helpful when you are hiking near cliffs, or water. If you have them on a long line and they get their legs tangled and you need them to freeze in position. Lastly, if you see a hazard ahead and want to avoid any incidents, you can use this command.

2. Emergency Down – Stay Safe, Stay Put

An emergency down is a command similar to ‘halt’. It will place the dog in a down while you keep moving forward. This command is very helpful when it comes to teaching impulse control, implied stay, and focus on the handler. But, it is essential for when you need your dog to stay in one spot, in a down, while you assess situations. This can include, checking the terrain ahead, approaching wildlife, helping stay out of the way of bikers on a trail. This is important when you are in unpredictable situations, especially when your dog is on a long line, or you can’t physically guide your dog.

1.3. Recall – The Lifesaver

Recall… it is ESSENTIAL for any summer adventure. The command can consist of many different words. You choose what you want it to be, “come”, “here”, etc. This command intertwines with halt, & emergency down. When you ask for these commands from your dog, you will most likely follow it up with your recall command. Many situations can happen with different environments we are in with our dogs, recall can be of help if your dog ever slips their collar or harness, wanders off the trail, gets too curious about wildlife or another dog. Recall has many uses for different environments, it is essential for any dog!

Teaching your dog Halt, Emergency Down, and Recall can be game-changing for your summer adventures. These commands aren’t just about obedience — they’re about trust, safety, freedom, and building a healthy relationship with your dog. With patience and consistency, you and your pup can explore more confidently, knowing you’re prepared for whatever the trail throws your way. Remember, teach and practice all commands in an environment your dog knows and is familiar with, then slowly expose them to higher distraction areas/environments. Training Tip: Practice “Halt” at home and on walks, rewarding your dog for stopping on command, even from a distance. Reward calm and neutral behaviour.

🐾 Happy training & adventuring! 🐾