How to Teach a Dog Leave It: A Step-by-Step-Guide

How to Teach a Dog ‘Leave It’: A Step-by-Step Guide By Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist,) Certified Behavior Consultant.

As a dog parent, teaching your pup the “leave it” command is a valuable tool for keeping them safe and well-mannered. Teaching this command is a great way to ensure that your dog understands that certain objects are off-limits and can help you keep them out of trouble.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about teaching your pup the “leave it” command. We’ll discuss the importance of this command, how to prepare to teach it, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to teach it. We’ll also provide troubleshooting tips, advanced leave it training, and resources for teaching the “leave it” command.

Introduction to the ‘Leave It’ Command.

The “leave it” command is an important command for your dog to learn as it allows you to intervene if your pup is about to get into something they shouldn’t. As the name suggests, the “leave it” command tells your dog to leave whatever they’re sniffing, chewing, or playing with and look away.

It’s important to note that the “leave it” command is different from the “drop it” command. The “drop it” command tells your pup to release whatever they are holding in their mouth, while the “leave it” command is used to tell them to stop interacting with something and look away from it.

The “leave it” command is a useful tool for preventing your pup from getting into dangerous or unwanted items. It can also be used to help redirect your pup’s attention when they’re being overly distracted by things like other animals, people, or new objects.

Reasons to Teach Your Dog the ‘Leave It’ Command.

There are several reasons why you should teach your pup the “leave it” command. The most important reason is that it’s a valuable tool for keeping your pup safe. Teaching your pup the “leave it” command can help prevent them from getting into anything dangerous or harmful.

The “leave it” command can also help to keep them out of trouble. For example, if your pup is about to get into something they shouldn’t, like chewing on furniture or eating food that’s not meant for them, you can use the “leave it” command to redirect their attention and keep them out of trouble.

The “leave it” command is also useful for teaching your pup to ignore distractions. If your pup is easily distracted by other animals, people, or objects, teaching them the “leave it” command can help you keep their focus on what you’re asking them to do.

Finally, the “leave it” command can help to teach your pup self-control. Teaching your pup this command will help them understand that they can’t always have or do whatever they want and will help them learn to control their impulses.

Preparing to Teach the ‘Leave It’ Command.

Before you begin teaching your pup the “leave it” command, it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared. You’ll need a few things to make sure that your pup has the best chance of learning the command quickly and effectively.

First, you’ll need some treats. You’ll want to use high-value treats, such as small pieces of chicken or cheese, for this command. This will help to ensure that your pup is motivated to learn and follow the command.

You’ll also need some toys or objects that your pup will be tempted to interact with. Make sure to choose something that your pup is interested in and that they’ll be tempted to touch or chew on.

Finally, you’ll need a quiet space to practice the command. Make sure that there are no distractions, such as other animals or people, and that you have enough space to move around.

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching the ‘Leave It’ Command.

Now that you’ve gathered the necessary supplies and prepared a quiet space, it’s time to start teaching your pup the “leave it” command. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Establishing the Basics.

The first step in teaching your pup the “leave it” command is to establish the basics. Start by having your pup sit in front of you. Then, show them the toy or object that you want them to leave and tell them “leave it” in a firm, but not angry, voice.

If your pup looks away from the object, reward them with a treat. If they don’t, you can try tapping the object with your foot or gently pushing it away from your pup. Once they look away, reward them with a treat. Do this a few times until your pup is looking away from the object when you tell them “leave it.”

Introducing the ‘Leave It’ Command.

Now that your pup understands the basics of the “leave it” command, it’s time to introduce the command itself. Begin by having your pup sit in front of you and show them the object. Then, tell them “leave it” and reward them with a treat when they look away from the object.

Once your pup is consistently looking away from the object when you tell them “leave it,” you can begin to increase the distance between you and the object. Start by placing the object a few feet away from you and your pup and telling them “leave it.” If they look away from the object, reward them with a treat.

Continue to increase the distance between you and the object until your pup is looking away from the object when you tell them “leave it” from across the room.

Introducing the Cue.

Once your pup is consistently looking away from the object when you tell them “leave it” from across the room, it’s time to introduce the cue. Start by placing the object a few feet away from you and your pup and telling them “leave it.”

As soon as your pup looks away from the object, give them the cue, such as a hand signal or a verbal command, and reward them with a treat. Do this a few times until your pup is consistently looking away from the object when you give them the cue.

Proofing the ‘Leave It’ Command.

Now that your pup is consistently looking away from the object when you give them the cue, it’s time to proof the command. Start by making the object more interesting and tempting for your pup, such as adding a treat or a toy, and telling them “leave it.”

If your pup looks away from the object, reward them with a treat. If they don’t, you can try tapping the object with your foot or gently pushing it away from your pup. Once they look away, reward them with a treat. Continue to make the object more interesting and tempting until your pup is consistently looking away from it when you give them the cue.

Troubleshooting Common Problems.

If your pup isn’t responding to the “leave it” command, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure that you’re using a high-value treat for rewards. If your pup isn’t motivated by treats, you can try using a toy or playing a game instead.

You can also try making the object more interesting and tempting for your pup. Adding treats or toys to the object can help to make it more enticing, which can help to motivate your pup to look away.

Finally, make sure that you’re consistent with your rewards. Make sure to reward your pup every time they look away from the object when you give them the cue.

Tips for Building Your Dog’s Leave It Response.

Once your pup is consistently looking away from the object when you give them the cue, it’s time to start building their “leave it” response. Here are a few tips for building your pup’s “leave it” response.

First, start by introducing new objects for your pup to “leave it.” This will help to keep them from getting bored and will help to increase their understanding of the command.

You can also try adding distractions, such as other animals or people, to the environment. This will help to test your pup’s understanding of the command and will help to increase their focus.

Finally, make sure to practice the command often. The more you practice, the more your pup will understand the command and the better they will become at responding to it.

Advanced Leave It Training.

Once your pup has mastered the basics of the “leave it” command, it’s time to start advanced training. Start by introducing new commands, such as “drop it” and “stay.” This will help to increase your pup’s understanding of the command and will help to build their confidence.

You can also try increasing the distance between you and your pup when giving the command. This will help to test your pup’s understanding of the command and will help to increase their focus.

Finally, you can try adding distractions, such as other animals or people, to the environment. This will help to test your pup’s understanding of the command and will help to increase their focus.

Training with Distractions.

Once your pup has mastered the basics of the “leave it” command, it’s time to start training with distractions. Start by introducing distractions, such as other animals or people, to the environment. This will help to test your pup’s understanding of the command and will help to increase their focus.

You can also try introducing new objects for your pup to “leave it.” This will help to keep them from getting bored and will help to increase their understanding of the command.

Finally, make sure to practice the command often. The more you practice, the more your pup will understand the command and the better they will become at responding to it.

Teaching your pup the “leave it” command is a great way to keep them safe and well-mannered. It’s also a valuable tool for keeping them out of trouble and teaching them to ignore distractions.

In this blog, we’ve discussed everything you need to know about teaching your pup the “leave it” command. We’ve discussed the importance of this command, how to prepare to teach it, and provided a step-by-step guide on how to teach it. We’ve also provided troubleshooting tips, advanced leave it training, and resources for teaching the “leave it” command.

If you’ve been looking for a way to keep your pup safe and out of trouble, teaching them the “leave it” command is a great place to start. With a bit of patience and consistency, you can teach your pup this valuable command in no time.

Resources for Teaching the ‘Leave It’ Command.

If you’re looking for more information on teaching your pup the “leave it” command, there are several resources available. Here are a few of the most popular resources for teaching the “leave it” command:

• “Leave It! A Guide to Training Your Dog” by Pat Miller
• “The Everything Dog Training and Tricks Book” by Gerilyn J. Bielakiewicz
• “The Power of Positive Dog Training” by Pat Miller
• “The Art of Raising a Puppy” by The Monks of New Skete

References.

1. American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Teach Your Dog to Leave It. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-your-dog-to-leave-it/
2. The Spruce Pets. (2020). How to Train Your Dog to ‘Leave It’. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucepets.com/how-to-train-your-dog-to-leave-it-1118277
3. Whole Dog Journal. (2019). Teach Your Dog to “Leave It”. Retrieved from https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/training/teach-your-dog-to-leave-it/
4. Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution. (2017). How to Teach Your Dog the Leave It Command. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQdg0qOVik0
5. McCune, S. (2017). Leave It: The Important Life Skill Every Dog Should Know. Retrieved from https://www.puppyculture.com/new-apprentices/leave-it.html
6. Dunbar, I. (2017). The ‘Leave It’ Command. Retrieved from https://www.dogstardaily.com/blogs/leave-it-command
7. Purina. (n.d.). How to Train Your Dog to Leave Things Alone. Retrieved from https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/training/how-to-teach-your-dog-to-leave-it
8. Karen Pryor Clicker Training. (n.d.). Teach Your Dog to “Leave It” with Clicker Training. Retrieved from https://clickertraining.com/teach-your-dog-to-leave-it
9. Miller, P. (2019). The Benefits of Teaching Your Dog the ‘Leave It’ Command. Retrieved from https://www.rover.com/blog/leave-it-command-for-dogs/.