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Train your dog to "leave it"

This method comes from some of the best trainers in the country and is routinely taught in *good* pet obedience classes. Just as a car can be a
serious danger to dog, so can a very sharp kitchen knife accidentally dropped on the floor. A snake, another dog. We can all think of a bunch of things, I'll bet. The command is the same for all. "Leave it!" Use it, too, for things the dog can do harm to - a baby's toy, the baby!, pantyhose, shoes, socks, etc. etc.

It begins with this. Food in the palm of your hand. Show it to him, and close your hand as he reaches for it. With the back of your hand, tap his nose. "Leave it!" Show it to him again. Tap his nose. "Leave it". Until he becomes a little wary of that food in your hand - not quite so eager to reach for it. Smile, and say, "Ok, get it". Give it to him. Sound like teasing? Not fair? How about a little lesson in doggie manners for starters? That's most certainly fair.

Next step. Food treats on a paper plate on the ground or floor. Dog on your left side on lead. Walk past it close enough for him to lunge for it. Pop him off seriously and say "Leave it!" Praise him! "Good leave it! Good boy!" Walk past again. Same thing. Not going to take too many times for him to figure out what "leave it" means. Walk up to the plate with him, as you remind him to leave it again. Take a treat from the plate, show it to him, tell him "ok get it" and let him take the treat from your hand - but NOT from the plate. It's off limits. Definitely! When you're done for this day's training, pick up plate, treats and all and put it away. Just as that plate of treats will NEVER be his, so is the car, or knife, or whatever is a constant no-no in his environment. Dogs can do learn this, although it may take a few repetitions of no-nonsense command and behavior on your part to convince him.

Keep some treats in your pocket or at least within easy reach for awhile. Extrapolate the "Leave it!" to anything that is appropriate now. If he's not on lead, make a dive for his collar and pull him off quickly as you say "Leave it!". Then praise him. Give him a pat or two and *maybe* a treat. You must, absolutely MUST be consistent. Eventually, treats as part of the reward won't always be forthcoming, but your praise will be. Always. --Phyllis Thompson