One of our favorite trail commands is also one of the simplest: “in line.” If you hike off leash with your dog, this is a good one to have in your back pocket.
Why we use it
When we’re hiking with our dogs off leash, there are plenty of times we want them behind us. Maybe the bushes are high, the trail takes a blind corner, or we just can’t see what’s ahead. Instead of letting the dogs charge around the corner, we command them to get “in line,” which means get behind us and stay there while we scout it out.
It’s especially useful when you might come across another dog, hikers, bikes, wildlife, or anything else you’d rather encounter before your dog does. And with everyone right behind you, it’s easy to quickly clip on leashes if you need to.
How we teach it
Start somewhere with a physical barrier on at least one side, whether that’s a wall, bushes, or the edge of a trail. This makes it easier to show your dog exactly where you want them to be.
As your dog tries to walk next to or slightly ahead of you, say “in line” and step in front of them, using your body and the barrier to encourage them to fall in behind you.
As soon as they’re behind you, reward them with a treat. Repeat. Treat again. You get the idea.
Keep practicing until they start associating “in line” with moving behind you. Then slowly work up to using it on the trail and around more distractions.
Take it to the trail
Eventually, it becomes second nature: blind corner ahead, “in line,” dogs tuck behind, and you get to see what’s coming first.
It’s a small command, but it makes off-leash trail time a whole lot easier, safer, and more considerate of everyone else out there. Have fun out there, pack!
