How to Teach Your Dog to Leave It Using The ‘Leave It Command’.

Although it can be considered basic, the command to leave is one of the most important instructions you can teach your dog. Typically, it’s used to stop your dog picking up an object he/she sees on the floor such as food you don’t want him/her to have, but it can also be used when you’re out on a walk and you see your pooch showing interest in a bird, or another dog close by.
This command can also be used to teach your dog some items such as shoes are out of bounds and could potentially save your dog’s life in the case of eating human medicine accidentally dropped on the floor.

This obedience training article for dogs will teach you how to teach your dog to leave something they show interest in using the ‘Leave It Command‘ by implementing positive reinforcement training techniques to get the message across.

The following list is what I recommend you have handy for this dog training command session:

• Small sized, soft treats that are very tasty
• Clicker
• Quiet space with no distractions

If you don’t have, or prefer not to use a ‘clicker’, you can substitute it by using the word ‘yes’.

Dog training essentials available from Ezydog Australia

Steps to Teaching the ‘Leave It Command’

1/ To start, take one of the treats in your hand and allow your dog to see it. As soon as it is interested in the treat, give the command by saying ‘Leave It’. Close your hand so the dog cannot get the treat.

Most dogs will stick their nose in your hand and possibly nibble on your fingers or paw at your hand in an attempt to get to the treat. As soon as your dog stops trying and moves backwards, ‘mark’ the event by giving a treat from the other hand, Say ‘Yes’, and offer ‘Good Boy/Girl’ praise.

It’s very important that you keep the treat covered at all times when you’re in the beginning stages of teaching this command. If you accidentally allow your dog to get the treat you’re not wanting them to take, he/she will try even harder to get the treat next time. One or two slip-ups won’t make much difference, but, if your dog is getting the treat a few times during each training session, it’s going to take much longer for them to understand what ‘Leave It’ does actually mean.

2/ Once your dog is consistently backing away from your hand after saying ‘Leave It’, you can make things more challenging for your pooch by increasing the time you make him/her wait for the treat.
(In the beginning, you should give your dog a treat the second he/she pulls back from your hand. Then add 3-5 seconds each time, until you are able to go 2 minutes while your dog waits patiently for the treat, no doubt with ‘puppy-eyes’.)

3/ Next, move the treat. Put it on the floor a metre or two away from your dog, but keep your hand close enough to cover it, should your excitable pooch try to take it. Once your dog is consistently leaving the treat there, you can move it a little closer to them.

4/ After several training sessions, you can begin to step away from the treat yourself. A good way to begin this is to drop a treat on the floor while you’re standing, and give the ‘ Leave Command’. Have your foot ready to cover the treat in case your dog makes a sprint for it.
Slowly increase your distance from the treat over several 10-minute training sessions. Soon you’ll be able to tell your dog to leave a treat on the floor when you’re standing on the other side of the room.

5/ Once your dog has mastered ‘Leave It’ with tasty treats, start practicing with other items such as one of your dog’s favourite toys, by following the same steps outlined above.

Keep practicing with other items your dog enjoys as well. Before long, your patient pooch will learn to leave any item where it is whenever he/she hears you say, ‘Leave It’.

6/ Finally, when out on walks, as soon as you see your dog interested in something you don’t them to be focused on, such as birds next to the path you’re on, use the command then get their attention back on you by offering a tasty treat.

Summary of How To Teach Your Dog The ‘Leave It Command’

This obedience command is all about teaching your dog self-control. Remember it is hard for some dogs to resist some things, so consistency, practice and patience will be required from you if you want to be successful teaching this command. Sometimes too, figuring out why your dog isn’t picking up the correct behaviour can be difficult.
Pet Behaviourists may need to be engaged to work out what the underlying issue is if for example your dog wants to chase another dog away that’s getting too close.

Although rare, some dogs that aren’t overly motivated by food treats, but will almost certainly take to cooked chicken pieces. However, I would strongly suggest finding a commercial option that works because apart from the expense, chicken is messy and doesn’t last very long out of a sealed container in the fridge.
Pet shops have many brands and flavours to choose from these days, and many are made with healthy natural ingredients. I would also suggest using and rotating several different types, so your dog doesn’t become used to just one.
The most important point with using treats as a reward for good behaviour is that they must be tempting enough to distract your dog, making them eager enough to abandon the unwanted behaviour in favour of the treat.

Having trouble, or have a question about getting your dog to obey the ‘Leave It Command’?
Leave a comment for ‘Bear’ below and he’ll be happy to answer it for you, especially if you get his attention by using his name.

We at PetsBook also recommend getting out with your dog and join a training course.
Pet Directory has many dog training clubs listed near you with experienced and accredited dog trainers, ready to help you with dog obedience and dog command training.

» List of Dog Training Commands

Bear

Hi, I’m Bear, the Training Manager at PetsBook. With over 20 years experience using positive reinforcement dog training techniques, I’m proud to have the opportunity to help you develop a stronger bond with your fur baby, by teaching you useful commands with obedience training.