How to train your dog to give things up on request
The “Leave It” command can be used in many situations. Like getting your dog to give something up on request, which will help avoid any aggression around possessions.
Or using it to stop them from ingesting or rolling in something nasty or dangerous, or asking them to “leave it” when they’ve started mouthing or nipping at your hands.
Holly waits patiently with treats on her foot. She was instructed to “Leave It”
The Training Method for Leave It
As with all rewards based training, only move to the next step when the dog is successful at the step you’re on.
Pay attention to your own body language when you teach this, because your dog won’t understand the words you’re using, they’ll be looking at your entire body and trying to figure out what you want them to do.
Once you’ve finished all the steps, practice in different places and around distractions
Step 1
Close your hand over a treat and keep it closed. The dog will sniff your hand.
When they finally look away or back off in frustration say “yes” and open your hand so they can get the treat
Step 2
Hold a treat in your open hand (but be ready to close your hand if the dog goes straight for the treat)
When they look away or back off say “yes” and give the dog the treat
Step 3
Hold the treat in your hand and say “leave it”
When the dog looks away or backs off say “yes” and give them the treat
Step 4
Put the treat on the ground and say “leave it”
When the dog looks away or backs off say “yes” and let them take the treat
Step 5
Practice the verbal command “leave it” in the real world with distractions and different items. Get them to walk past a plate of sausages, get them to let go of your hand if they’re mouthing it, get to them stop sniffing something in the grass.
Remember to reward each success with a treat or praise because they have just done something amazing!
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