Teaching your dog the 'leave it' command, according to a trainer's instructions
Training the 'Leave It' Command: A Lifesaver for Dogs and Owners
Teaching your dog the 'leave it' command is an essential part of responsible pet ownership, as it can potentially save a dog's life. Juliana DeWillems, the owner and head trainer at JW Dog Training & Behavior, strongly recommends using this command to keep your dog away from dangerous items.
The 'leave it' cue is used to prevent your dog from approaching or investigating harmful objects or situations, such as harmful food or medication. DeWillems practices this command around challenging distractions on walks, like chicken bones or lunch trash, and heavily rewards the dog for disengaging from the distraction when cued.
To effectively train the 'leave it' command, start by using positive reinforcement to encourage your dog to look at you without any cue. Once your dog naturally looks up at your face, reward them with a treat. Then, introduce the verbal cue “leave it” while presenting a low-value treat covered by your hand. When the dog looks away from the treat, immediately reward them with a higher-value treat from your other hand.
Gradually increase the difficulty by exposing your dog to uncovered treats and real-life distractions, always rewarding them for ignoring the item and focusing on you. Use small, tasty treats to maintain motivation during training, and practice in a low-distraction environment first before moving to more challenging scenarios.
DeWillems emphasizes the importance of training the 'leave it' cue for safety reasons, especially when the dog is approaching or investigating something potentially harmful. She uses eye contact as the behavior attached to the 'leave it' cue because it prevents the dog from looking at or going for dangerous items.
Training the 'leave it' cue requires patience and positive reinforcement for long-term reliability. Practice cueing the dog to orient to you when you say 'leave it' without any distractions. Pair the 'leave it' cue with eye contact, and reward the dog immediately after they comply to reinforce the behavior.
Avoid chasing or punishing the dog if they pick up something; instead, redirect with a trade or treat reward to teach impulse control. Consistency and patience are critical throughout the process.
Pupford Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Training Treats are suitable for training purposes. By training the 'leave it' cue, you are not only teaching impulse control but also ensuring a safer environment for both you and your dog. This method can make walks and daily life safer by preventing ingestion of harmful objects.
The 'leave it' cue is considered one of the most important dog commands, as it can help keep your dog safe from potentially dangerous situations. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can effectively train your dog to respond to the 'leave it' command and enjoy a safer, more enjoyable relationship with your furry friend.
