How to Train "Leave It"
- Apr 17, 2018
- 2 min read
I love to teach “leave it” to new clients! When I tell them that I am going to work on that command next, I always get a response like “I can’t wait to see this, this will be tough for him/her, this will be good.” It is actually pretty easy to teach, the proofing can be the tougher part. But the amazement on the clients face is always priceless.
Benefits of “Leave it”
Prevent picking up items that can be harmful, such as medication.
Stop counter surfing
Can be used to stop reactivity/aggressive/prey drive behaviors.
If you see your dogs’ eyes “lock in” on something that usually triggers an unwanted behavior (they see a cat and want to chase it), you can redirect their attention.
A fun trick to put treats on the dogs paws.
Teach impulse control.
Stop mouthing or inappropriate chewing.
Downfalls
NONE!! Well if you do the command well enough, sometimes they will leave stuff even if you tell them to get it at first. Then you just have to work on the “release” or “get it” commands.
Get the treats I am using here!
How to teach “Leave it”
Let your dog watch you place a treat on the ground and cover it with your hand.
Wait patiently for them to stop sniffing, licking, pawing at your hand.
When they begin to lose attention, remove your hand from the treat so it is visible to your dog.
If they go for the treat, cover it back up and say “leave it”
If they stare at it for a few seconds without moving towards it, mark the behavior and reward.
If they back up away from it - immediately mark and reward! This is their way of saying “ok, I’ll wait.”
If they give you eye contact - immediately mark and reward! They are asking for permission.
Repeat steps 1-3 until your dog is consistently showing the correct behavior.
Drop the treat from a small distance (a few inches).
If they go for the treat, cover it back up and say “leave it”
If they stare at it for a few seconds without moving towards it, mark the behavior and reward.
If they back up away from it - immediately mark and reward! This is their way of saying “ok, I’ll wait.”
If they give you eye contact - immediately mark and reward! They are asking for permission.
Increase height of drop until they are doing this reliably.
Toss the treat a short distance.
If they go for the treat, cover it back up and say “leave it”
If they stare at it for a few seconds without moving towards it, mark the behavior and reward.
If they back up away from it - immediately mark and reward! This is their way of saying “ok, I’ll wait.”
If they give you eye contact - immediately mark and reward! They are asking for permission.
Increase the distance and change the directions.
Bonus! Toss it towards them!
Place on paws
Change to other foods, toys, or other desirable items.
Pretend you aren’t paying attention and see if they make the decision on their own.
Place a plate of food on the ground.
Have a treat in your hand with your palm open.
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