Teach Your Dog to “Leave It”
Training your dog to obey the “leave it” command is one of the most valuable skills you can teach them. It can prevent unwanted behavior, keep your dog safe, and foster self-control and discipline. Whether it’s food dropped on the floor, another animal, or a tempting toy, the “leave it” command is about teaching your dog to resist an impulse and focus on you instead. Here’s a step-by-step guide to teaching this command in a positive, effective way.
Why Teach “Leave It”?
Teaching your dog to “leave it” has several benefits:
Safety: This command helps you protect your dog from hazards like dropped medications, sharp objects, or toxic foods.
Socialization: It encourages good behavior around other pets, people, or distractions, making outings smoother.
Self-Control: Practicing “leave it” builds patience and focus, which can translate to better behavior overall.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step approach.
Step 1: Start with Treats in Hand
This first step is about establishing the basic idea of “leave it” with a controlled, positive experience.
Grab some treats: Choose small, high-value treats that your dog loves.
Show and close: Place a treat in one hand and show it to your dog, then close your hand around it so they can’t get it.
Let them investigate: Allow your dog to sniff, paw, or nudge your hand. Be patient, waiting for them to stop trying to get it.
Mark and reward: As soon as they stop, say “Yes!” or click (if you use a clicker) and offer them a different treat from your other hand. This teaches your dog that leaving the closed-hand treat alone leads to a reward.
Repeat this several times until your dog quickly stops trying to get the treat from your closed hand.
Step 2: Add the “Leave It” Command
Once your dog understands they’ll get a reward if they leave the closed-hand treat alone, it’s time to introduce the verbal command.
Repeat the closed-hand exercise: Show the treat, close your hand, and let your dog try to investigate.
Say “Leave it”: As soon as they stop trying to get the treat, say “Leave it” just before marking and rewarding them with a different treat.
Gradual repetition: Practice until your dog begins to associate the phrase “leave it” with not trying to take the treat.
Step 3: Introduce an Open-Hand Challenge
When your dog reliably leaves a closed-hand treat, it’s time to make things more challenging by using an open palm.
Hold a treat in an open palm: Extend your hand with a treat in your open palm but be ready to close it if your dog lunges.
Use “Leave it”: As they approach, say “Leave it.” If they resist the temptation to grab it, mark and reward them with a different treat.
Increase duration: Gradually increase the amount of time they need to wait before you mark and reward. This helps build patience.
Step 4: Practice on the Floor
Once your dog consistently leaves treats in your hand alone, it’s time to place treats on the floor. This step challenges their self-control with a treat directly at their level.
Place a treat on the floor: Drop a treat on the floor, but be ready to cover it with your hand if they try to grab it.
Say “Leave it”: When your dog resists going for the treat, mark and reward them with a treat from your hand.
Vary the rewards: Sometimes reward them with a treat from the floor to keep the exercise engaging.
Step 5: Apply “Leave It” in Real-Life Situations
Now that your dog understands the basics, you can practice “leave it” with a variety of distractions and in real-life situations.
Walks and Outings: Practice “leave it” when your dog encounters items or objects they’re curious about on walks.
Toys and Other Pets: Use “leave it” when they become overly interested in another pet, toy, or exciting distraction.
Food Temptations: At home, you can practice around food to solidify their understanding of the command.
The goal is to reinforce that “leave it” applies to any tempting object or situation, no matter where they are.
Tips for Success
Stay consistent: Use the same word or phrase, and always reward your dog when they obey.
Stay patient: Teaching “leave it” can take time, especially with high-energy dogs.
Practice regularly: Short, regular practice sessions are more effective than one long session.
Use positive reinforcement: Avoid scolding or punishment, as it can make learning stressful for your dog.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Moving too quickly: Rushing through steps can confuse your dog. Make sure they master one step before progressing.
Using “leave it” casually: Only use the command in training contexts until your dog truly understands it.
Forgetting to reward progress: Even if your dog doesn't fully “leave it,” reward them for small steps in the right direction.
Final Thoughts
Teaching “leave it” is a rewarding experience for both you and your dog. It provides safety, strengthens your bond, and builds essential self-control. Remember to be patient and enjoy the process of learning together. Before you know it, your dog will be a pro at leaving things on command, making every walk, outing, or gathering smoother and safer!