Puppies are curious creatures, to say the least. And, if you’ve ever spent some time with a young pup then you know how much they love exploring the world with their mouth. Puppies will smell, lick, and try to eat practically everything in sight … including things that could wind up making them sick! That’s why, during basic command training, it’s essential to spend time working on the Leave It cue.
Once your puppy has a full understanding of the Leave It command, and consistently listens to your cues, you’ll be able to prevent your pup from licking and ingesting something he shouldn’t.
When teaching the Leave It command, I like to break things into three steps …
Step 1:
- You’ll need two different types of treats: A high-value treat that your dog goes nuts for and a lower-value treat. Make sure to break the treats into tiny pieces so it won’t take your puppy long to gobble away.
- Put one type of treat in each hand.
- Place the hand holding the high-value treat behind your back. With your other hand (the one holding the lower-value treat), make a fist and extend it toward your puppy. Let him attempt to get the treat. Your puppy will likely sniff, lick, and maybe even paw at your hand.
- When your puppy naturally pulls away, say, “Leave It” and then offer the higher value treat.
- Repeat that process until your puppy immediately stops sniffing your hand when you say, “Leave It.”
Step 2:
- Once your dog seems to have a basic understanding of the Leave It command, repeat the process above with an open hand (instead of a closed fist). So, with the lower-value treat resting in your palm, extend your hand toward your puppy. Say, “Leave It.” If your puppy actually leaves the treat alone, without attempting to snatch it out of your palm, offer the higher value treat. If your puppy does attempt to snatch the treat from your palm, quickly lift your hand and give a no-reward marker (i.e. something like “eh-eh”). Give your puppy a few seconds to relax before lowering your hand for another attempt. Repeat that process until your puppy routinely follows the Leave It command.
Step 3:
- Instruct your dog to Sit.
- If you have a small dog, place the lower-value treat on the floor a short distance in front of him. If you have a large dog, place the treat on a chair a short distance in front of him.
- As your hand releases the treat, say, “Leave It.” If your dog attempts to take the treat, immediately take it away, and give your no-reward marker (such as “eh-eh”). Wait a few seconds for your dog to calm down and repeat. Do this until your dog leaves the treat alone. At first, you’re looking for your puppy to leave the treat alone for just 5 to 10 seconds. If he does that, offer the high-value reward. Each time you repeat this step, increase the time the treat sits on the floor or chair.
Go Slow
Keep training sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes max. Since pups have short attention spans, it’s better to keep sessions shorter and carve out pockets of time throughout the day to train.
