📣 Commands Every Tahoe Dog Should Know
📣 Commands Every Tahoe Dog Should Know
Whether your pup is summiting Mt. Tallac or stealing snacks at Sand Harbor, life in Tahoe comes with its own set of challenges — and plenty of off-leash temptations. Here are a few essential commands every true Tahoe Dog (and their human) should master.
🐕 1. “Wait”
Before crossing a trail, a parking lot, or a stream, “wait” can save the day. It gives you a second to check for bikers, cars, or critters. Plus, it’s a great way to remind your dog that adventures happen together.
🌲 2. “Leave It”
Pinecones, pine needles, goose poop — Tahoe’s buffet of natural curiosities is endless. “Leave it” helps your pup resist temptation (and saves you a vet visit or two).
🌊 3. “Come”
Seems obvious, but this one’s the difference between a relaxing lake day and a spontaneous 2-hour dog chase. Tahoe is full of off-leash areas, and a reliable recall keeps both your dog and wildlife safe.
Pro tip: make “come” fun! Your Tahoe Dog should think racing back to you is the best part of the game.
🏔 4. “Up” / “Down”
Whether you’re hopping into the car, climbing boulders at Sand Harbor, or crossing a log bridge on the trail, “up” and “down” are key confidence-builders for active dogs. They help your pup navigate the terrain safely — and make for great photo ops.
🧭 5. “Right” / “Left”
For the true trail pros, “right” and “left” are elite-level commands that make exploring together a dream. Use them when biking, hiking, or skijoring to keep your dog on the correct side of the path or to guide them through a fork in the trail.
Start by pairing the word with gentle leash guidance, then reward often — soon your pup will lead the way like a local guide. 🐾
🐾 6. “Stay Close”
This one’s the Tahoe classic. It’s the off-leash compromise that lets your dog explore without disappearing down the shoreline. Practice it on quiet trails or beaches, and watch how proud your dog is to earn that trust.
⚡️ 7. Training with an E-Collar
Freedom in Tahoe comes with responsibility. An e-collar (used correctly and compassionately) can give your dog the best of both worlds — room to roam and a reliable recall when it matters most.
Start slow, work with a professional trainer if possible, and always pair the collar with positive reinforcement. The goal isn’t control — it’s communication.
Because a true Tahoe Dog runs free, but never out of reach. 🏔💛
💛 8. “Let’s Go Home”
Tahoe Dogs know adventure, but they also know when the day is done. This phrase is your calm, gentle cue that it’s time to head back — for dinner, for rest, or for curling up under the stars.
💦 ✨ Elite Command: “Shake!”
If your pup spends any time near the lake, you already know this one’s critical. “Shake!” is the Tahoe Dog’s signature move — best performed away from the car, tent, or freshly dressed humans. Bonus points for dramatic slow-motion water droplets and proud tail wags afterward.
It’s not just a command — it’s a lifestyle.
At the end of the day, training a Tahoe Dog isn’t about control — it’s about connection. The best commands are the ones spoken with trust, respect, and a shared sense of adventure.
Because being a Tahoe Dog means knowing when to run free… and when to come home. 🏡💛
🐾 Join the Pack
Learn more about life with a Tahoe Dog — and shop hats, stickers, and gear at tahoedogco.com.
