This is a useful command any time you want your dog to turn away from a distraction, or something that is off limits.
As with other commands, this activity helps teach your dog that there are boundaries, and that not all behavior is acceptable in your pack. They are also learning that you, as the pack leader, are the one that determines what is okay to do, and what is off limits.
Setting up for the Activity
For this activity we recommend that, as much as possible, you “ditch the bowl,” which means that you temporarily feed your dog their daily portions through training rewards, rather than in their bowl.
If you are not feeling kind, calm, and confident, do not train your dog until you are in a better mental state. Kindness is a choice, calmness takes practice, and confidence comes with education, which will grow as you master this activity.
Activity Steps
Sit down on a chair or on the floor in front of your dog with a treat in each hand. Close each hand so that the treat is not showing. Hold out your closed hands to your dog. Space them about four inches apart.
Let your dog sniff one of the hands. As soon as they turn their head to sniff the second hand, mark the head turn with a “Yes!” and give them a treat from the second hand that they just turned to. As your dog starts to get the hang of it, change “Yes!” to “Yes! Leave it!”
The marker word “Yes!” needs to happen at the very moment your dog turns its head. Otherwise, your dog will be confused about what you are asking them to do. After marking and treating, make sure to praise them as well.
Repeat this process while gradually lengthening the distance between your hands. Treat each time they turn their head.
Next try the same process with open hands. Start with your hands four inches away from each other and gradually increase the distance between your open hands.
Finally, you can drop food out of one hand onto the ground while saying the words, “Leave it!” As soon as they turn their head away, treat with your other hand.
If your dog struggles, consider the three D’s—distance, duration, and distraction. Shorten the distance between your hands, or the length of time you require them to obey before rewarding, or lessen any distractions (noises, children, other dogs, etc).
Training Pattern
At first, you start by using a treat to encourage your dog to perform a desired behavior. Then reward them with the marker word “yes,” accompanied by a treat.
Second, you do the same thing, but you add the command to the marker word by saying, “Yes! Leave it!” This associates the command with the desired behavior.
Third, you do everything the same, except that you speak the command word as you begin. You will continue using a treat in your hand to encourage your dog. Each time they are successful, say “Yes!” (no need to add the command word here), and treat.
Finally, you will begin by speaking the command, and when your dog succeeds at the desired behavior, no treat or follow-up “Yes!” is needed.
Training Over Time
As your dog succeeds at this activity, increase the distance between you and your dog. If you dog falters at a further distance, shorten the distance back to where they last succeeded, and always end on a success.
You should also randomize the treating, so that your dog is not dependent on a food lure to follow the command.
As you dog gains a good grasp of this activity, consider the three D’s again. Now, increase the distance as you train, require a longer duration before rewarding, and add in distractions to help your dog succeed at higher and higher levels.
