– The Cue Every Dog Owner Needs!
If you’ve ever seen your dog go after a chicken bone on the sidewalk or dive nose-first into your favorite shoes, you know the importance of the “Leave It” cue. Teaching your dog to “Leave It” is like giving them a little self-control superpower, and it’s a lifesaver—sometimes literally!
Not only can this cue keep them out of harm’s way, but it also makes you look like a training rockstar. So, let’s talk about why “Leave It” is valuable, when you might use it, and five simple steps to teaching it to your dog.
Why “Leave It” Matters
“Leave It” can prevent your dog from going after things that might be dangerous, expensive, or just plain inconvenient. Whether it’s stopping your dog from chewing on your favorite shoes, keeping them away from spilled food at a picnic, or preventing a mad dash for an old, smelly sock on a walk, “Leave It” can be your go-to for keeping things calm and safe.
When You’ll Use “Leave It”
Here are a few real-life examples where “Leave It” can come in handy:
On Walks: When your dog sees a piece of trash or something tempting but questionable on the ground.
Around the House: If you drop food that’s not dog-friendly (chocolate, anyone?).
With Other Animals: If your dog tends to get too interested in the cat’s food or toys, “Leave It” can help create boundaries.
In Social Settings: When your dog is a little too curious about strangers’ bags or kids’ toys, “Leave It” helps them stay polite.
5 Steps to Teaching “Leave It”
Ready to teach? Here’s a step-by-step approach that makes it easy for both you and your dog. Just grab a handful of treats, your dog’s favorite rewards, and a little patience!
Step 1: Show and Block
Hold a treat in your hand, and let your dog sniff it out. When they try to grab it, close your hand. As soon as your dog backs off or shows a little patience (even a half-second counts!), say “Yes!” or click (if you’re using a clicker) and reward them with a different treat from your other hand.
Trainer Tip: Don’t let them have the treat in the closed hand—this is the “forbidden fruit” that helps them understand the concept of “Leave It.”
Step 2: Repeat Until They Get the Idea
Practice Step 1 a few times, and your dog will start realizing, “Hey, sniffing and grabbing isn’t getting me anywhere.” They’ll learn to sit back or look away to earn their reward. When they do this, mark it with a “Yes!” and reward from your other hand.
Quick Wit: Dogs tend to be great at “instant gratification.” Here, we’re helping them build up their “patience” muscles.
Step 3: Introduce the Cue “Leave It”
Once your dog reliably pulls away when you present a treat in your closed hand, it’s time to add the verbal cue. Show the treat, say “Leave It” just as they move toward it, and close your hand if they try to grab it. If they back off, mark it and reward from your other hand. Repeat this several times to help them make the connection.
Trainer Truth: Timing is key! Aim to say “Leave It” right as your dog moves toward the treat to associate the cue with the action.
Step 4: Test with an Open Palm
Here’s where it gets interesting. Place the treat in your open palm and give the “Leave It” cue. If they make a move, simply close your hand again. Once they leave the treat alone, reward with a different treat from your other hand. This level ups their “Leave It” skills by teaching them to ignore something even when it’s in plain sight.
Pro Insight: Think of this as the “advanced class” of self-control. They’re learning that even though it’s RIGHT THERE, it’s still a no-go!
Step 5: Take It to Real Life
Now, try practicing “Leave It” in real-life situations. Place a treat on the floor (with a few backups ready) and give the “Leave It” cue. Reward when they avoid the treat on the floor. Start in a quiet room, then work up to busier environments like the living room, outdoors, or during a walk. This helps them generalize the skill, which is training talk for “Hey, this works everywhere!”
Trainer Tip: Remember to keep training fun and rewarding. Building reliability takes time, but with consistency, your dog will be a “Leave It” pro!
And there you have it! Teaching “Leave It” is a simple but powerful way to give your dog a little extra impulse control—and save yourself from a few surprises along the way. With these five steps, you’re well on your way to mastering this valuable skill together. Happy training, and may your “Leave It” be as effective as a “Do Not Touch” sign on your grandmother’s favorite vase!