How to Train a Dog to Leave It
By far, this is my favorite behavior to teach puppies and dogs. You’re teaching them to control themselves. This is a must-have for adolescent dogs. I call this “Puppy Zen.” It teaches dogs polite behaviors while remaining still.
Teaching Self-Control
The goal of “leave it” is to have your dog ignore a chicken bone, dropped medication, previously chewed gum or a dead squirrel. “Leave it” is not hard to teach if taught in sections so I’ll explain how to teach the first part. Follow each step in order for best results.
- Hold a treat in your left hand. Completely close your hand around the treat so he can’t nibble or take away the treat.
- Place your closed fist holding the treat in front of your dog’s nose.
- Wait until he stops licking, nibbling or nuzzling your hand. Click the moment you don’t feel him touching your hand and give him the treat.
- Practice 5 times in a row.
Usually, by the fifth or sixth time, your dog will ignore your hand, meaning he will not nudge it. Click and treat. This is what you want.
Refrain from saying the cue. We want the behavior taught first, then we’ll add the cue. This will be in “Leave It Part 2.”
Homework
Practice 5 times per day. Always keep practice sessions short or your dog will get bored. Maybe take a few pieces of kibble and practice before meals.
Next Step
- Practice Part 1 for 3-4 days, then move to Part 2.
- In Part 2, you’ll learn how to add the cue.
- Part 3 explains how to use “Leave It” for items on the ground.
[…] you missed Step 1, which demos the beginning stage of teaching “leave it”, check it out here. Don’t rush when teaching a behavior, step 1 is laying the foundation, and a strong […]