The Magic of "Leave It"
Top Training Techniques for This Important Cue
"Leave It" is one of the most critically important cues you can teach your dog. Throughout the training process, your dog will develop impulse control, which means you aren't just teaching her to listen to you. You are helping rewire her brain to resist temptation and reduce impulse grabbing. It adds a layer of security and piece of mind, ensuring you have control over what your dog puts in her mouth.
Widely Accepted Techniques
You can use whichever technique best fits your dog or start at the top and master each difficulty before
proceeding to the next level.
Whichever method you choose, you will need two different types of treats: a low value "leave it"
item and the high value reward. The reward will teach her that it is worth giving up the "leave it"
treat. It should always be given from the opposite hand than the "leave it" treat.
The Closed-Hand Foundation Game
Beginner
This is the most suitable for dogs with low impulse control or beginners. This the AKC approved method; it's a very simple and straightforward way to train the
basic command.
Close your hand around the low value treat. Let your dog do her sniffing, licking and pawing, but don't
say a word. The second she stops trying to get it, mark the behavior and immediately reward her with the
high value treat from your other hand. Once she reliably demonstrates an understanding of the command,
add the cue "Leave it."
This encourages your dog to build self-control and teaches her that ignoring temptation earns access
to rewards.
The Floor-Level Progression
Moderate
This is the Rover method. It adds challenge and is designed for dogs who
understand what you are asking but struggle with real-world temptation. The idea is to start simple and
gradually increase the difficulty, which encourages success by taking small, positive steps.
Place the low value treat under your toe. As soon as she turns away, mark and give her the high value
reward. Increase the challenge: place the treat on the ground with your toe hovering above it; drop the
low value treat from a few inches off the ground; increase to standing height.
This ensures she learns to resist movement, which is a high drive trigger for many dogs.
The 10-Step Impulse Control Ladder
Advanced
This is the Dogtown method, designed to hone and develop your dog's
consistent response to the cue. Like the previous methods, it utilizes gradually increasing challenges
as she shows consistent improvement and success.
Begin with the treat in your closed hand and progress to an open hand, adding the floor challenges. Then, you can gradually increase the distance between her and the "leave it" treat. Swap the low value treat for higher value real world items. For example, our pup Oakley has a fascination with balled up paper towels. As an added measure, have her make eye contact with you before recieving the reward to train her brain to reset her focus to you immediately.
Why is it so Important?
- Safety: It gives you the security of control over what your dog ingests, including protecting her from life-threatening hazards.
- Impulse Control: It isn't just about teaching a command. It actually develops her impulse control and helps rewire her brain to pause and make safer choices.
- Social Harmony: The ability to disengage on cue limits conflict triggers around other animals and reduces the risk of resource-guarding behaviors.
- Real-World Reliability: Your dog likely spots hazards and triggers before you do. However, with strong "leave it" training, she will automatically avoid trash and dangerous items. She'll redirect from distractions without prompting and make sure to check in with you before grabbing anything off the ground.
- Bonding: Through the training process, you are building trust and deepening your bond with her. She learns that she is safe following your lead.