How to Train Your Dog to Respond to the "Leave It" Command
The "leave it" command serves the purpose of stopping your dog from picking up objects. It enables you to instruct your dog not to touch things that you don't want it to have, such as a child's toy, a dirty tissue, or any of the numerous items that dogs often attempt to pick up and chew. Additionally, it can prevent your dog from consuming something that could be harmful.
Thankfully, teaching this crucial command is relatively simple. The majority of dogs can be trained to "leave" even the most enticing objects.
Instructions for Preparation
To teach your dog the command "leave it," you only need a few small treats and a calm space. If you're using a clicker for training, make sure to have it on hand.
Don't be concerned about this process taking up too much time. Training sessions should be brief and positive, lasting around 5 minutes each. If the sessions go on for too long, your dog might get frustrated and make errors.
How to Train Your Dog to “Leave It"
Step 1: Present a Treat and Issue the Command
To begin, take one of the treats and show it to your dog. Once it shows interest in the treat, give the command "leave it" and close your hand to prevent the dog from accessing the treat.
Initially, most dogs will try to sniff the treat, possibly nibble on your fingers, or paw at your hand in an attempt to reach the treat. When your dog stops attempting and moves away slightly, offer praise (or use a clicker) and give it a different treat than the one you asked it to leave.
It's crucial to keep the treat covered at all times during the initial stages of training this command. If you accidentally allow your dog to obtain the treat before providing the click or praise, it will try harder to get the treat next time. Making one or two mistakes won't have much impact. However, if your dog gets the treat multiple times in each training session, it will take longer for them to understand the meaning of "leave it."
Step 2: Extend the Waiting Period
After your dog consistently starts moving away from your hand, you can raise the difficulty level by extending the time it has to wait for the treat. Initially, you should reward the dog immediately when it retreats from your hand. Gradually, you can introduce a few seconds of delay until you can go for several minutes while your dog patiently waits for the treat.
Step 3: Extend the Distance
Afterwards, you can start to relocate the treat. Place it on the floor approximately one or two feet away from your dog, while ensuring that your hand is nearby to cover it in case your dog attempts to grab it. Once your dog consistently refrains from taking the treat, you can gradually move it closer to them.
Step 4: Step Away
Once you have completed several training sessions, you can start to distance yourself from the treat. One way to begin this is by dropping a treat on the floor while you are standing and issuing the command "leave it." Make sure to have your foot prepared to cover the treat in case your dog tries to grab it.
Gradually increase the distance between you and the treat in subsequent training sessions. Eventually, you will be able to instruct your dog to leave a treat on the floor even when you are standing on the opposite side of the room.
Step 5: Engage in Practice with Different Items
After your dog has successfully learned the "leave it" command using treats, you can proceed to practice with different objects. Place one of your dog's toys nearby and command "leave it." When the dog shows even the slightest hesitation, offer praise and a treat.
Continue practicing with other items that your dog finds appealing. In no time, your dog will understand to leave any object undisturbed upon hearing the "leave it" command.
Problems and Proofing Behavior
This obedience command focuses on teaching your dog to have self-control. Dogs often find it difficult to resist things that are both good and bad for them.
To effectively cultivate this level of discipline, it can be helpful to adopt a multi-faceted approach. While training the "leave it" command, it is beneficial to engage in other forms of self-control training as well. These can include simple tasks such as requiring your dog to sit or lie down before receiving food, playtime, or your attention. By incorporating these practices into your daily interactions and conducting regular short training sessions specifically for "leave it," you can effectively develop this desirable behavior in your dog.