📣 Commands Every Tahoe Dog Should Know

(From Basics to Elite, Tahoe-Level Skills)

Whether your pup is summit-ing Mt. Tallac, splashing at Sand Harbor, or begging for fries at Chambers Landing, the Tahoe life comes with its own set of challenges — and plenty of off-leash temptations. The right training helps your dog stay safe, confident, and adventure-ready, no matter where the trail leads.

Below is your complete Tahoe-Dog training guide — split into Basic Commands and Elite Commands for the pups who go above and beyond.

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🐾 Part 1: Basic Commands Every Tahoe Dog Should Know

These are the foundations — the skills that make your dog a safe and joyful adventure buddy in Tahoe's wild, off-leash world.

1. “Come” / “Here”

The difference between a peaceful lake day and a chaotic shoreline chase.
Tahoe is full of off-leash areas, wildlife, and distractions — a rock-solid recall keeps everyone safe.

Pro tip: Make coming to you the most fun part of the adventure: treats, praise, silly joy. And don't always make it when something is wrong or it's time to go home. Make it something they want to do.

2. “Stay”

Crucial for trail photography, unloading the car, letting mountain bikers pass, or pausing on a busy shoreline. A reliable “stay” builds impulse control and trust. 

Pro tip: Remember that dogs learn visually, so include a hand signal with this command, not just the verbal one.

3. “Sit”

Simple, universal, and endlessly helpful — whether you're gearing up, waiting to cross the street in Tahoe City, or ordering a latte at West Shore Market.

4. “Place”

Your dog learns to settle calmly on a blanket, mat, or designated spot. Perfect for beaches, patios, picnics, trail lunches at Eagle Lake, or when you’re hosting friends.

5. “Leave It”

Pinecones, mushrooms, goose poop, and BBQ scraps at the beach — Tahoe is a wonderland of temptations. “Leave it” prevents bad decisions and a vet visit or two. (See vet blog post here, by the way.

6. “Bring It”

A fun fetch-adjacent skill that teaches your dog to pick up an item and deliver it to you — a toy, a stick, or your glove you dropped while fumbling with trail snacks. My Tahoe Dogs haven't mastered this one yet, but the goal is to get them to clean up and put away their own toys. I'll keep you posted on their progress!

7. “Fetch”

Because Tahoe Dogs are born for retrieving — especially from the lake. Whether it's a B-A-L-L, a frisbee, a stick, or a pinecone, fetching is a great way to reinforce recall, burn energy, and enjoy the most beautiful water in the world. Side comment: Sampson takes down all the water when he retrieves a ball in the lake, so we often just throw him rocks (he's the dumbest smart dog we know) or toss his ball along the shoreline. That way he doesn't throw up said lake water part-way through.

8. “Wait”

A lifesaver at trail crossings, parking lots, stream crossings, and crowded beaches.
“Wait” reminds your dog that adventures happen together.

9. “Stay Close” / "With Me"

The classic Tahoe off-leash compromise. Your dog gets freedom, you get peace of mind.
Practice on quiet trails, beaches, and meadows until your pup earns full roam-the-forest privileges.

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🏔️🐕 Part 2: Elite Tahoe Dog Commands

For the pups who are basically locals — the ones who live for big adventures and have the skills to match.

These commands take your Tahoe Dog from “good” to “legendary.”

1. “Right” / “Left”

Essential for trail running, mountain biking, hiking switchbacks, or skijoring.
Directional cues help keep your dog on the correct side of the trail and guide them through forks like a seasoned local. Also, check out Lead Dog Athletics for local expertise on dog-powered sports.

2. “Shake!” (Off the Water)

A Tahoe classic.
Crucial for:
✔ the dock
✔ the trail after a swim
✔ far away from the car

Bonus if they hit you with the dramatic slow-motion droplets.

3. Distance Down

Your dog drops into a down from far away.
Perfect for: encountering wildlife, seeing a bike zoom toward you, or stopping a sprint toward a very questionable smell.

4. “Too Far”

Your cue for your dog to turn back when they’re pushing their radius. This is an off-leash superpower — especially on forest trails, at beaches, and in snow fields.

5. “Wait at the Gate”

Tahoe has trail gates, backyard gates, campground gates, and marina docks everywhere. Teaching your dog to stop and wait — instead of blasting through — is an elite safety skill.

6. Calm Dock Behavior

Some call it a command… others call it a lifestyle. Your dog lounges calmly on a dock while you sip a bevvie, read, or chat with friends. This is the center of Tahoe Dog zen. 

7. Calm Boat Behavior

A full day on the water requires patience, balance, and good manners. An elite Tahoe Dog knows how to lay low, stay safe, and enjoy the breeze while you cruise across Emerald Bay.

8. Paddle Boarding

A true hallmark of a Tahoe Dog. Skills: hop on, settle, balance, relax, and jump off. Bonus points if they pose for photos with the iconic Emerald Bay in the background. Side note: I think "The Riley" patch will feature our resident dog SUP-ing in Hurricane Bay:) 🛶

9. E-Collar Recall Training

Used thoughtfully and compassionately, an e-collar gives your dog freedom with a safety net — allowing off-leash exploration while maintaining a reliable recall.

Essential Tip: Work with a pro if you can, go slow, and always pair it with positive reinforcement.

10. “Let’s Go Home”

Tahoe Dogs know when the adventure begins, but elite Tahoe Dogs know when it ends. This cue signals that the day is winding down — time for dinner, a nap, or cuddles in the cabin.