BEHAVIOUR
How to Teach Your Puppy the “Leave it” Command!
Want to teach your puppy to not pick up objects on the floor? Here’s how you can teach your dog the Leave it command in four, simple steps!
Table of contents
The “Leave it” command helps us establish a clear boundary for our dogs around certain items, be it food or other objects, that we do not want them to pick up or engage with at all.
To ensure that our dogs understand and always respond to our commands, it is important to use positive reinforcement, that is, teach them that performing a certain behaviour will get them valuable rewards. For this exercise, you are going to need your dog to be on the leash, an object that your dog is not allowed to touch but tends to go for anyway, such as your face mask, slippers, etc. and some treats hidden away in your back pocket.
To ensure that our dogs understand and always respond to our commands, it is important to use positive reinforcement, that is, teach them that performing a certain behaviour will get them valuable rewards. For this exercise, you are going to need your dog to be on the leash, an object that your dog is not allowed to touch but tends to go for anyway, such as your face mask, slippers, etc. and some treats hidden away in your back pocket.
Leave it Command- Step 1
Have your dog on a leash next to you and drop the object at a distance where they are unable to reach it.
Leave it Command- Step 2
As soon as you drop it, your dog may try to make a run for it. Give a slight tug on the leash and say your cue word “Leave it”, loud and clear.
Leave it Command- Step 3
It may take a few minutes before your dog stops pulling towards the object so be patient. Every time they try to reach it, give a slight tug on the leash and repeat your command. Once he settles down, bring out a piece of treat and reward him for it.
Leave it Command- Step 4
After a few rounds, you will notice your dog responding to the cue and settling down a lot more quickly. You can now strengthen the cue by bringing the object slightly closer and then practising with slightly higher-value objects. Slowly also practise fading out the leash by holding it on the ground under your feet instead of in your hands.
Applications of the Leave it Command
Our dogs are very curious by nature and like to inspect their surroundings using their mouth. A Leave it command is essential in ensuring their safety and preventing them from picking up or consuming toxic food items or harmful objects.
Instead of yelling or scolding our dogs for undesirable behaviours, the "Leave it" command serves as an effective communication tool to convey boundaries to our dogs. It also plays a role in instilling discipline, helping them understand what actions are off-limits.
Instead of yelling or scolding our dogs for undesirable behaviours, the "Leave it" command serves as an effective communication tool to convey boundaries to our dogs. It also plays a role in instilling discipline, helping them understand what actions are off-limits.
The benefits of teaching our dogs basic obedience commands such as Leave it, Stay or Recall are numerous. Most of all, it helps build a stronger bond with our dogs while granting them access to many more experiences in life, without risking their safety.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try out this dog training command with your puppy and share videos with us @thepack.in on Instagram!
Happy Pet Parenting!
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try out this dog training command with your puppy and share videos with us @thepack.in on Instagram!
Happy Pet Parenting!
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