Some dogs can find it confusing when we take something away from them, especially if it’s something they value, such as food or toys. However, there are times when we do need to take things away from them or ask them to leave it alone. This could be something dangerous, like medication or if they are caught playing with your cushions or slippers rather than a toy. 

Teaching your dog to ‘leave it’ is about teaching them it’s OK to have something taken away because they will get something better in return. Ideally, your dog should leave an item without you having to ask them and look at you for permission before eating anything off the ground. However, this is a big ask from your dog, but certain training steps can help teach them some self-control. 

Teaching Your Dog When to ‘Take It’ 

Before teaching your dog to ‘leave it’, you must teach them when to ‘take it’. This essentially means, ‘you may eat this now’ and allows you to tell your dog when something is OK to eat. 

  1. Place a dog treat in your first. Let your dog get the treat out of your hand, by pawing, licking or sniffing at your hand. 
  2. As soon as your dog stops trying to get the treat, mark the moment with a clicker or marker word like ‘yes’ and then praise. Immediately after, open your first and say ‘take it’, and offer your dog the treat. The point of this exercise is to show them that not paying attention to the treat is what earns the treat. 
  3. After a few attempts, your dog should start pulling back from your fist or ignoring the treat. Now, wait a second or two before saying ‘take it’, then offer them the treat. 
  4. Next, place the treat on your open palm. If your dog tries to get the treat, close your fist around it and wait for your dog to ignore it. Once they do, say ‘take it’ and then offer the treat. 

Teaching Your Dog When to ‘Leave It’ 

Once your dog is ignoring the treats in your open palm until you give the ‘take it’ cue, they now understand the concept of leaving objects in your hand alone until otherwise instructed.

Now you can take things to the next level and teach your dog to do the ‘leave it’ command.

  1. Place a treat on the floor and put your hand over it, but allow your dog to try to get the treat. As soon as they stop trying, mark the moment and reward. 

Please note: We don’t recommend using the treat on the floor as a reward, as it’s time for them to understand that not all items are up for grabs. Instead, reward them with a better treat from your pocket, as this helps emphasise that leaving certain things alone leads to the chance for even better things.

  1. When your dog is regularly leaving the covered treat alone, start removing your hand from it – but be ready to cover it again if necessary. Remember, the goal is for your dog to ignore the uncovered treat. When your dog looks away or shows disinterest, mark and reward with a higher-value treat. 
  2. Next, put your dog on a lead and do the same exercise standing up, and use your foot rather than your hand to cover the dropped food. If your dog automatically leaves the food alone when you drop it, you are ready to add the ‘leave it’ cue. When your dog ignores the food, mark and reward them with higher-value treats. After many repetitions, your dog should understand the meaning of the cue.

Teaching Your Dog When to ‘Leave It’ Outside

Now that you have mastered ‘leave it’ inside the house, it’s time to pick up your training outside and walk your dog past things that need to be ignored. 

  1. Place some low-value treats in a row along the ground and bring your dog on the lead into view of the floor treats say ‘leave it’ and walk past each row. At each treat, mark and reward your dog with a high-value treat for ignoring. 

Please note: Don’t try to do the whole row at once, and if your dog tries to eat the floor treat, quickly cover it with your foot, using the lead to stop your dog from reaching it before you. 

  1. When your dog is ignoring each treat, try walking past the entire row after giving the ‘leave it’ cue. Reward this run with something extra special, so they know that ignoring something means the chance for something better. 
  2. Repeat the above exercises in other locations, as the more places you practise in, the better they will respond. 
  3. Replace the treats on the floor with other objects your dog likes, such as chew toys or a ball. This will help them understand the cue, meaning they won’t just leave treats alone, but they won’t try to eat anything you don’t want them to have.

Dog Training With A&T Trained Dogs 

Training can be overly time-consuming and hard to fit into your busy schedule, or previous attempts may not have been as effective as you’d have hoped. This is where a trainer can step in and help! Our specialist team can help build your confidence and train your dog, no matter their age or temperament. 

With extensive facilities and experience, our team will make a bespoke dog training plan for your dog and give you a thorough handover to extend into the home. Contact us online or call us on 01524 587 315.