Dog Obedience Training for the Leave-It Command
Training the dog leave it command is a great command to keep your dog out of trouble and safe. Dogs will tend to take things they are not suppose to. Perhaps one of your shoes or food off the table. The command will also keep your dog safe if they attempt to go after something dangerous like a wild animal.
Rules To Remember When Training Your Dog the Leave-It Command
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When teaching the leave-it command it may be easier to use organic dog treats instead of a chew toy. Make sure your dog has eaten a meal before training or the dog will be to hungry to learn "leave-it".
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If the dog does not follow the command do not reward them.
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Start in a distraction free environment.
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Very short training sessions. About 5 minutes of training time.
The Easy Method of Training the Leave-It Command
Follow these few easy steps and in no time at all your dog will understand what you mean when you say "LEAVE-IT".
1 - Start with an organic treat in your hand. Stand in front of your dog. Have your dog sit. Then show the treat to the dog and quickly close your hand around the treat. At first the dog will be licking and sniffing your hand. Be patient and wait until the dog stops showing interest. At that point open your hand, praise the dog and give them the treat.
2 - Continue to practice step one a few more times. Now it is time to add the cue word. Show the treat then close your hand. Say "leave it" and wait for your dog to stop showing interest. Praise and reward your dog. Keep using the cue word to help build that association.
3 - Once the dog understands the command it will be time to increase difficulty. Place the treat on the ground a few feet in front of the dog. Use the cue word and wait. After a few second pick up the treat and reward your dog for waiting. Repeat this exercise until you feel the dog fully understands. If the dog does go after the treat, put your foot on it. Do not let the dog get the reward, they have to earn it. Pick up the treat and replace it a few feet away from the dog again.
4 - When the dog can perform step 3 with ease then try practicing in more distracting environment with different objects. Try using a chew toy or maybe something the dog enjoys eating like a carrot. Something new will bring back some excitement in learning this command. |
If your dog begins to lose interest during steps 1 and 2 then substitute your organic treat with other objects. Carrots or chew toys. Change it up to generate more interest. If you feel you are using to many treats on your dog then switch to dried dog food pieces.
Most Common Dog Obedience Commands
Click on each of the following commands for detail training on each one.
