Description

The “Leave It” command is used to teach your dog to avoid or disengage from something—whether it’s food, a toy, an object on the ground, or even another dog or person. It helps build impulse control and can prevent dangerous or unwanted behavior.

Benefits

• Prevents dogs from picking up harmful items (e.g., chicken bones, medications, trash).

• Stops fixation on distractions (e.g., squirrels, other dogs, food on the ground).

• Reinforces self-control in high-distraction environments.

Steps

• Hold a treat in both hands. Show one closed fist to your dog (with a treat inside) and say, “Leave it.” Wait for them to stop sniffing, licking, or pawing. As soon as they back off or lose interest, mark it (“Yes!” or click) and reward them from the other hand.

• Progress to Open Hand: Open your hand with the treat visible. Say “Leave it.” If they try to take it, close your hand. When they back away, mark and reward from the other hand.

• Practice with Floor Items: Place a treat on the ground with your hand covering it. Say “Leave it.” When your dog backs off, mark and reward from another source. Gradually uncover the treat as your dog learns to resist.

• Add Movement and Distractions: Drop items or walk past tempting objects while saying “Leave it.” Reward when your dog chooses to ignore the distraction.