Teaching your dog the “leave it” command is a key part of dog training and is one of the most valuable skills you can give her.
It teaches impulse control, keeps her safe in tricky situations and helps her understand what’s off-limits — whether that’s food on the floor, a squirrel on the sidewalk or a stranger’s picnic.
Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to teaching “leave it,” plus the biggest mistakes to avoid so the training actually sticks.
Why “Leave It” Matters
“Leave it” teaches your dog to ignore something tempting and redirect her focus back to you.
It helps prevent:
- Eating dangerous foods
- Lunging toward animals or people
- Grabbing items she shouldn’t have
- Practicing unwanted behaviors
- Getting reinforced by the environment instead of by you
When she learns self-control and chooses the right behavior on her own, the results last much longer than forced obedience.
Use Positive, Choice-Based Training
“Leave it” works best when your dog is allowed to make her own choices.
You’re not pushing, pulling or luring — just showing her that ignoring something earns rewards.
This approach teaches two things:
- Right choices = rewards
- Wrong choices = nothing happens (but no punishment)
Dogs learn just as much from making the wrong choice as they do from making the right one — so your job is simply to set up an environment where good choices pay off.
How to Teach “Leave It”
Step 1: Present the Treat — But Don’t Give It
Start on the floor with your dog. Hold a high-value treat in your closed hand.
- Your dog will sniff, lick and paw at your hand
- Keep your hand closed
- Wait for her to voluntarily back off
- The moment she does, mark it with a cheerful “yes!”
Do not push her away — she must choose to disengage.
Step 2: Reward the Choice
Once she backs off consistently, open your hand.
If she dives for the treat, close your hand again.
If she stays back, give her a different reward while praising:
“Yes, good leave it!”
This teaches her that ignoring a tempting object makes even better things happen.
Step 3: Make It a Little Harder
Progress slowly — tiny adjustments matter.
When she can handle the treat in your open hand:
- Place the treat on the floor
- Hover your hand above it so you can cover it quickly
- Move around the room
- Practice from different angles and distances
If she goes for the treat, cover it — don’t block her path or scold her.
Eventually, her impulse control becomes so solid she’ll ignore temptations even when you’re not in the room.
What “Leave It” Can Help With
Once she understands the concept, you can apply “leave it” to:
- Toys
- Food scraps
- Wildlife
- People
- Other dogs
- Exciting or distracting environments
Start with easy items (treats, toys) before working up to bigger distractions.
Common Training Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
1. Forcing Your Dog Into the Behavior
If you push your dog away, block her with your body or lure her too heavily, she’s not actually making a choice.
Forced behaviors don’t stick — chosen behaviors do.
Giving her a “problem to solve” creates true learning.
2. Making the Challenge Too Hard Too Soon
If you start with distractions like other dogs, passing joggers or busy environments, she’ll get overwhelmed and won’t retain anything.
Begin with:
- Quiet spaces
- Simple choices
- Easy objects
Once she succeeds consistently, you can increase difficulty gradually.
Why This Command Is So Important
“Leave it” teaches three essential skills:
1. Impulse Control
Your dog learns to pause before acting — which keeps her safe.
2. Redirection
She learns to turn her attention back to you instead of environmental rewards.
3. Safety & Manners
Dropped chocolate? Random animal? Jogger passing too close?
“Leave it” can prevent dangerous mistakes.
Once she learns to make good choices independently, you can pair “leave it” with a release cue like “OK!” to tell her when she can engage.
The Bottom Line
Teaching “leave it” is one of the most important things you can do for your dog.
It builds impulse control, keeps her out of trouble and strengthens your communication and trust.
It takes repetition, patience and small steps — but the payoff is huge.
With consistent practice, your dog will start choosing the right behavior on her own, and you’ll have a safer, calmer and more connected companion.
