How to Teach Your Dog to Leave It

"Sit" is cute. "Leave It" is critical. If you drop a grape, a chicken bone, or a pill, this command buys you the second you need to grab it.

The Theory: Impulse Control

Dogs are opportunists. "See food, eat food." We are teaching them: "Ignoring the food is the only way to get the food."

Level 1: The Closed Hand (The "Zen" Game)

1. Put a treat in your fist. Present your fist to the dog.
2. They will lick, sniff, and paw at it. Do nothing.
3. The micro-second they pull their nose away (to look at you or give up), say "YES!" and open your hand to give them the treat.
   • Lesson: Backing away opens the magical hand.

Level 2: The Open Hand

1. Hold the treat on your open palm.
2. Say "Leave It."
3. If they dive for it, close your fist instantly.
4. Wait for them to back off. Open hand again.
5. When they can stare at the open bait without lunging, reward with a different treat from your other hand.

Level 3: The Floor Drop (Advanced)

1. Drop a low-value treat (kibble) on the floor. Cover it with your foot.
2. Say "Leave It."
3. Wait for eye contact.
4. Jackpot: Give them a piece of cheese (high value) from your hand.
   • Lesson: The floor food is trash. The owner has the gold.

Conclusion

Practice this daily with toys, pigeons on walks, and dropped napkins.

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