Hey Dog Lovers,
Today we talk about “Leave it” a basic obedience command many teach their dogs. This command has many benefits and uses that can be translated into everyday life.
How to Teach:
- Have a few high rewards, strong odor treats in one hand and have others ready in a pouch, pocket or away from dogs view.
- Present closed fist with treats in it, tell your dog to “Leave it” Say it once and wait him out (usually the first time teaching it takes the longest as the dog has to figure out what you are asking of them)
- As soon as your dog loses interest in your hand/ moves their nose away from your hand or looks away, Reward and say “Good Leave it”
- Repeat 3-5 times with fist closed *recommend practicing with it closed for 5-10 minutes a day for about a week then move to the next part*
- Open your hand with a handful of treats in it and keep it slightly above your dogs nose, make sure you are prepared to close it if they try to get to the treats. Say “Leave it” and then repeat the exercise as above with your hand open. *repeat as above* when successful for a week or so with them leaving it alone, move to next step
- Put your hand full of treats open in front of your dogs nose, repeat steps above. When consistent move to next step
- Place a pile of treats on the ground, with your hand covering them like an open cage. Repeat leave it exercise as listed above, if the dog goes for the treats, immediately close your hand on them. Repeat until dog is constantly leaving it alone than move to next step.
- Leave a pile of treats/ or one treat on ground ask dog to leave it as in exercises above
Uses
Sticks, People, other dogs, litter, toys, medications, kids toys, food, etc.
Benefits
Creates a safe environment for you and your animals, prevents toxic things being ingested, embarrassment or people getting hurt
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be very grateful if you would help spread it by email to a friend, on social media or even word of mouth! Thank you so much!
