Teaching your dog the “leave it” command is a pivotal skill that can help ensure their safety and improve their overall behavior. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to effectively teach this important command to your furry pal. Let’s begin!

How to Teach Leave It & Why It Helps

What Does “Leave It” Mean?

“Leave it” is a command used to instruct your dog to disregard an object or distraction. It’s about teaching them self-control and reinforcing the idea that sometimes, not everything needs to be sniffed, licked, or chewed on. This command can be a lifesaver, especially in situations where your dog might encounter something potentially harmful.

Why It’s Important

Teaching “leave it” is critical for several reasons:

• Safety: Prevents your dog from picking up harmful items.
• Manners: Helps curb unwanted behaviors like stealing food or objects.
• Focus: Enhances your dog’s ability to listen and pay attention to you, even amidst distractions.

A Simple Training Plan

Follow these steps to train your dog the “leave it” command:

1. 1. Start with a Treat in Your Hand: Hold a treat in a closed fist and let your dog sniff it.
   2. Wait for Them to Back Off: As soon as they pull away or stop trying to get the treat, say “good” and reward them with a treat from your other hand.
   3. Introduce the Command: Once they consistently back off, introduce the verbal cue “leave it.” Say “leave it” calmly and then show them the treat.
   4. Use an Open Palm: Place a treat in your open palm. If your dog tries to take it, close your hand. When they back off, reward them from your other hand.
   5. Practice with Different Items: Gradually increase the temptation level by using different objects like toys or food on the floor. Reinforce the command and reward them for ignoring the item.

These steps will help your dog learn to “leave it,” but it’s important to remember that refusal or withholding behavior is often a sign of deeper issues such as anxiety, aggression, or resource guarding.

And until those root issues are addressed directly, they’ll continue to cause you trouble in other areas.

“Okay, so how do I do that then?”

By developing your dog’s intelligence, that’s how! When they get the mental stimulation they desperately need in a loving, fun, and instructional way, all their behavioral problems start to disappear fast.

To make this happen, you’ll play 21 “brain” games created by Adrienne, a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer whose work has been featured in USA Today and Every Dog magazine. See her amazing results in this video with a dog named Maggie (scroll down).

Adrienne’s training games will end bad behavior while also teaching your dog to sit, lie down, stay, heel, drop, and walk calmly by your side. It’s simple, and it will be an absolute blast for you both. She explains exactly how her system works here, go take a look!

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Consistency is Key

One of the biggest challenges dog parents face is being consistent with training. Make sure you practice the “leave it” command in different settings and with various distractions. Consistency helps reinforce the behavior and makes it more likely your dog will obey the command in real-life situations.

High-Value Distractions

Sometimes, regular treats may not be enough to capture your dog’s attention, especially if the distraction is highly tempting. Use high-value rewards like chicken or cheese for these situations. This will motivate your dog to focus on you rather than the distraction.

Patience and Timing

Remember to be patient. Training takes time and each dog learns at its own pace. Use positive reinforcement immediately to make a strong connection between the command and the behavior. If you’re struggling, it might help to break training into shorter sessions more frequently throughout the day.

When and Where to Practice

Starting Indoors

Start practice sessions in a controlled environment like your living room. This minimizes distractions and makes it easier for your dog to focus on you. Use different types of objects as distractions to generalize the command.

Taking It Outside

Once your dog is consistently obeying the “leave it” command indoors, move the training outside. The garden or a quiet park can be good transitional spaces. There, your dog will need to tune out more real-world distractions and you’ll be able to test their progress.

Real-World Applications

Finally, practice the “leave it” command during walks or outings. This is the true test of their learning. Encountering other dogs, food on the ground, or even busy streets will help solidify the command under real-world conditions. Always carry treats initially to reinforce good behavior.

Advanced Techniques

Using Commands Together

Combine the “leave it” command with other commands your dog knows, like “sit” or “stay.” For example, ask them to sit and then place a treat on the floor. Use “leave it” and then release them with another command like “okay” to get the treat. This helps integrate the command into their overall obedience routine.

Adding Distance

Gradually increase the distance between you and the object your dog needs to leave. Start by standing close and then slowly increase the distance over time. This helps your dog understand that “leave it” applies even when you’re not right next to them.

Distraction Proofing

Each dog is different in what they find distracting. To ensure your command works everywhere, gradually introduce more challenging distractions. This might include other animals, children playing, or noisy environments. The more varied the situations, the better your dog will generalize the command.

FAQ

What if My Dog Doesn’t Respond to “Leave It”?

If your dog isn’t responding to the “leave it” command, it’s time to go back to the basics. Practice more in a low-distraction environment and use high-value treats to motivate them. Ensure you’re consistent with training sessions and always reward immediately when they obey the command.

How Long Will It Take to Train “Leave It”?

The time it takes can vary based on your dog’s age, temperament, and prior training. Some dogs may pick it up in a few days, while others may take weeks of consistent practice. Be patient and persistent, and always use positive reinforcement.

Can Older Dogs Learn this Command?

Absolutely! Older dogs can learn new commands just as effectively as younger ones. The key is consistency and patience. Use treats and positive reinforcement to motivate them, and make sure to practice regularly.

Conclusion

Teaching your dog the “leave it” command is a vital skill that can enhance their safety and improve your overall communication with them. Stick to the training plan, be consistent, and soon your furry pal will master this important command.

P.S. Don’t forget to pin this so you can refer back to the 5 steps!