How to teach “leave it”

Teaching your dog “leave it” redirects their focus when they are interested in items they shouldn’t be, and it assists with impulse control. It can be an incredibly beneficial skill that can help keep dogs safe from potentially dangerous items they may encounter, such as toxic substances, or harmful foods. It discourages behaviours like scavenging, chewing on inappropriate objects, or chasing things that could lead to injury or trouble. The cue can also be applied in various contexts beyond just objects, such as ignoring other animals, refraining from jumping on people, or not pulling on the leash. 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• 6’ leash 

• Treat pouch, or bag of bite-sized treats 

• High and medium value treats 

• Clicker (optional) 

Steps: 

1. With the dog in front of you, load both hands with treats. One will be your distraction hand and the other your reward hand. The clicker can be in your reward hand.  
2. Hold your closed hand, or distraction hand, outwards to the dog with the treats inside. 
3. The dog will likely investigate your fist through sniffing, pawing, licking, or trying to nibble. Wait quietly until the dog stops and moves their nose away from your fist. The instant the dog moves away, mark the behaviour with a click or “Yes” and reward by dropping a treat on the ground in front of the dog from your other hand, or the reward hand. 
4. Continue with steps 1 to 4 several times until the dog starts to leave the treated hand on their own.  
5. Once the dog starts to reliably leave the closed hand, or avoids it without investigating, you can add the verbal cue “Leave it” with the treat. Remember to say the cue as soon as the dog refrains and then mark the behaviour with a click or “Yes” and reward from the opposite hand. 

Increasing difficulty 

1. Try switching hands.  
2. Change the value of the food you’re using.  
3. Try the same steps but, with an open hand, closing it if the dog goes for it. 

If the dog continues to mouth and jump at the treated hand, stop the training session and allow for some time for the dog to burn off excessive energy before attempting the training exercise again. If you require assistance, contact a professional trainer or behaviour consultant. 

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.