As dog owners, we’ve all been there—our furry friend grabs something they shouldn’t have, whether it’s a stick on a walk, a shoe, or worse still, that chocolate left on the kitchen worktop. This is a natural part of their curiosity, but it’s also a behaviour that needs to be addressed for safety reasons. Teaching your dog the "leave it" command is an essential skill that can prevent them from ingesting harmful items, chewing on dangerous objects, or simply getting into trouble.
Whether you’re training a puppy or teaching an older dog a new trick, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively teach your dog to "leave it."
Why The 'Leave It' Command is Important
The "leave it" command is more than just a way to stop your dog from picking up an old sock or a random piece of trash on a walk. It’s a foundational skill that can keep your dog safe in a variety of situations. It teaches impulse control and helps your dog understand when something is off-limits, preventing them from swallowing harmful items or getting into dangerous situations (like picking up something toxic). It’s a must-know command for any dog, especially if you plan on doing off-leash training or exposing your pup to new environments.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching 'Leave It'
1. Start with High-Value Treats and a Calm Environment
To begin teaching "leave it," you want to start in a distraction-free environment where your dog is focused on you. Use treats that are particularly enticing for your dog—something they love and are motivated to work for. Variety works well - our doggie delights contain a delicious mix of three contrasting flavours to keep them guessing and keep them keen.
You’ll also need to have some patience. Keep training sessions short—about 5 to 10 minutes—to prevent your dog from getting bored or frustrated.
2. Present the “Leave It” Object
For the first few training sessions, use something your dog can see but not immediately get—like a treat or toy. Place the object on the ground about a foot in front of your dog.
3. Introduce the Command
Once your dog notices the item, say "leave it" in a firm but calm voice. Don’t yell; instead, use a neutral tone so that your dog doesn’t get confused or anxious.
4. Redirect Attention to You
When your dog starts to move toward the object or tries to grab it, gently block them by covering the object with your hand, or use a hand signal to direct their attention back to you. When your dog looks away from the object and focuses on you, immediately reward them with a treat or praise. The reward should come when your dog’s attention is shifted away from the item, not when they just look at the object.
5. Use Positive Reinforcement
When your dog obeys the "leave it" command and looks to you, offer a treat or praise right away. The key to reinforcing the behaviour is timing—rewarding them as soon as they perform the desired action will help them make the connection.
6. Gradually Increase the Challenge
As your dog begins to understand the basic concept, make the exercise more challenging. Start by placing the object on the floor and allowing your dog to get closer to it before giving the "leave it" command. Once they learn to resist, try dropping an item in front of them during a walk or from a standing position.
You can also try using objects of varying interest—something that is less enticing and then gradually increase the value of the object as your dog gets better at the command.
7. Practice in Different Environments
Once your dog consistently responds to "leave it" in a controlled environment, practise the command in different situations. This could include during walks, when your dog is playing with toys, or when they encounter unfamiliar objects in public spaces. The more diverse the practice settings, the better your dog will generalise the behaviour.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dog Doesn't Respond to the Command
If your dog ignores the "leave it" command, don’t be discouraged. It may take time to make the connection, especially if the object is very enticing. Go back to simpler scenarios, using a less tempting object, and work your way up.
- The Dog Snatches the Item Too Quickly
Some dogs are quick to grab things, especially if they’re food-driven. If this happens, try moving slower with your training. Start with an object that’s less exciting to them, or practise with the treat in your hand before putting it on the ground.
- Frustration from Repeated Failures
If you or your dog feel frustrated during training, take a break. Training should be a positive experience for both of you. Return to easier exercises or try shorter training sessions. A relaxed attitude is key to success!
Tips for Success
- Consistency is Key
Use the "leave it" command consistently across different contexts and with different objects. Consistent training helps your dog learn that the command applies to all situations.
- Use a Cue Word
While “leave it” is a common cue, you can also use a sound (like a click or a “no”) to help signal when the behaviour is correct. The more ways you reinforce your dog’s understanding, the better.
- Don’t Punish
Never punish your dog for picking something up. Punishment can create fear and confusion, which can slow down the training process. Instead, focus on reinforcing positive behaviour with treats and praise.
Teaching your dog to “leave it” is an invaluable skill that will help keep them safe, well-behaved, and less likely to get into trouble. By starting with simple exercises and gradually increasing difficulty, you can help your dog develop impulse control and understand boundaries. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your dog will learn when to leave something alone, giving you both peace of mind during walks and in the home.
Remember, training is a journey, and every step your dog takes toward mastering the command is a win. Keep practising, stay positive, and enjoy the process—before you know it, your dog will be leaving things behind with just one simple command!
