Urban Mushing: Getting Started. Segment 2--> Directional Commands.
Hey guys! Here is the second installment in the Urban Mushing: Getting Started series.
Mushing commands are, in my option, the most important thing in learning to mush BESIDES the safety of you and your dogs of course (that will be the topic in one of the next posts). Having a dog that is solid on commands is more important than speed or endurance, especially when you are starting out. Distance and speed can come later, but you need solid commands now, and they can take some time and practice. While you are acquiring your gear, doing more research on the sport, and working out your dog, start practicing some directional commands. All you need is a leash and some treats to get started!
There are many mushing commands so I am splitting this into two sections. In this section you will learn to teach your dog directional commands “left and right,” “slow,” “stop,” and “hike” These word choices are up to you, but be consistent. In the next segment you will learn to train your dogs to respond to, “line out” and “on-by.”
Right and Left or “Gee” and “Haw”
-Take your dog on a walk every day and on left turns say your left command word about 3 seconds before you make the turn. Do the same with the right command word. Do this on every walk and at every turn, when your dog makes the turn, immediately use a praise word (I use “Yes!”) and then provide a treat. Your dog is going to learn that turns are fun and to pay attention to your voice when one approaches. If you walk your dog on the same path every day, he will learn that you ask him to “Gee” or “Haw” in certain areas, shake it up a bit to test his knowledge and take him somewhere new and try your commands. Once your dog is following your commands at a walking pace and in new places, ask him to gee or haw off the road, trail, or sidewalk- this can be hard right away because you are going off the path. Practice, practice, practice everywhere you go. I remember even practicing when I walked with my dogs down our hallway, asking them to “Gee” or “Haw” into different rooms. Remember to make it fun, train only when you are relaxed and in a positive mood, and keep sessions short and frequent. If your dog is having a rough day, do some things he knows well to boost his spirits and try again another day. Once your dog is trusted to turn wherever you want him to on a walk, try increasing your pace- eventually you will be flying behind your doggie friend and will need to trust him to turn when you need him to and he will need to do it with other dogs and people running besides him- lots of distractions. Slowly build distractions, ensure your dog can listen to you when there are other people around or dogs being walked, these skills you learn now at a slow pace in a controlled environment will certainly strengthen your team down the road and make for a confident lead dog.
*Remember, when you try new trails or go to a race your dog will not know what route to run, he will rely on you for quick, clear, commands and excellent training.
Slow or “Easy”
-Again, another command that can easily be learned on a walk. Briskly walk your dog, then slow down, but before doing so, give your command. Ensure you give your dog three seconds after your command before you start slowing them down. If your dog is still pulling, walk him around a bit to tire him out. It’s not a bad idea to take your dog for a run at the park, a swim, or a vigorous game of fetch before a training session so that his mind can focus. Even if your dog slows just a little bit when you slow down, reward! Keep walking slow and reward your dog continuously for a slow walk or a matching gait. If your dog is pulling still, stop and wait for him to calm, then reward when walking with you. The goal is to go from a brisk pace to a slow pace at your command, practice makes perfect!
*This command is useful when passing pedestrians or loose dogs on the trail, helping to prevent tangles, or surprising joggers ;).
Stop or “Woah” (I use “Wait”)
-This is a great command to teach with the slow down command. When I want my dogs to stop on a run, I command “Easy,” wait about 3 seconds for response time, 3 more seconds to slow the pace, and then tell them to “Wait.” Just as in training for basic obedience, start with minimal distractions and once solid, add more and more challenges until your dog will stop with other dogs around, or even small prey like squirrels. IT CAN BE DONE!
-When your dog is solid on the “Easy” command, walk him and ask him to stop, and stop walking. Reward him with a vocal statement (again, I use “Yes!) and provide a treat the minute his feet stop moving. *Vocal statements/rewards are so important in training, it’s the same idea as clicker training- provide a noise that means a treat is coming. You can’t always treat your dog in the moment he is doing something you are asking, so the statement is like a placeholder or a “I’m getting your treat, you are doing a great job!” Repeat, repeat, repeat. This is also a nice time to begin introducing “hike,” which is a good release word to start using after your dog stops and you want him to go again.
Go or “Hike” (I just say “Go”)
-For most dogs, this one is the easy one. It is natural for dogs to want to pull and go forward, it’s the amazing and inspiring thing about dogs, they always want to explore and learn- both attributes that make them great at mushing. Say your go command when getting started and after stopping to release the stop and stay.
Stay tuned for more guys! I will post on Instagram @wolfpackadventures when each new installment is available. I am trying to ensure there is at least one new segment every week. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, suggestions, feedback, or requests.