Tuesday Training Byte: The "leave it" and when to use it

The leave it command can be one of the most useful in preventing a dog from touching or eating something potentially toxic. On the other hand, it tends to be over-used. One of the first things I teach a dog is to focus and "watch me". If I see a food wrapper with some remnants of a hamburger in it as we are walking, I can instead get my dog to keep eyes on me as we walk on by it, then a big reward afterwards for the focus. Generally speaking, I much prefer to use a positive command (tell the dog what I want it to do) rather than a negative (tell the dog what I don't want it to do). This makes for more clear communication that I can reward my dog for obeying. If I see another dog pulling to come toward my dog, rather than telling my pup to leave it, I tell him what to do such as "this way", or "watch me" followed by a reward.

Here are some situations where I use the leave it command:

1. If I set my plate on the end table and my dog looks at it or sniffs in that direction, I use the leave it command then.

2. If my male dog starts sniffing something where he might re-mark where another dog has been, I tell him firmly to leave it. For reference- in the obedience or rally rings, there are cones and equipment and dogs are not allowed to potty in the ring, so my male dogs especially need to understand the leave it to know that is off limits.

3. If I drop something on the kitchen floor and my dog dashes that direction, I call out to leave it, then I immediately remove that item.

   For teaching the leave it, you must be quick enough to make sure your pup can't get to the item before you can cover it. I put dog treats on a paper saucer on a low table or chair seat, then cover it with my hand while I say leave it. As soon as my dog looks away from it or looks at me, I praise my dog and give it a treat my my treat pouch and other hand. I repeat letting my dog first see the treats on the saucer and then I quickly cover it firmly, while commanding to leave it. My dog may start licking or pawing at my hand covering the treats. I wait a moment for him to figure out that he is not getting them. Usually, a dog will give up trying within 30 seconds or less. Be sure to give lots of praise and reward for him giving up. Refrain the repeating the leave it command, unless he is persistent on forcing his way to the forbidden treats. After about three or four practice runs, put your dog on a leash and walk by the saucer that is out of his reach. Command leave it as you walk on by, and praise and treat him for successfully walking by. You have to be sure he cannot dive to the treats and get them or you will be back to square one. Another tip is to make the reward more enticing than the thing you asked him to leave to help solidify his learning. This is where high-value treats come in handy. Happy training!

   

   When teaching the "leave it" command, make sure that you can prevent the dog from getting the forbidden item in the first place.