Home Based Dog Training

The successful “Leave It” command means that the dog should stop that particular action on receiving this command and focus on you to get the next command. This command is one of the most helpful commands in the dog’s obedience training. The dog trained to this command not only gets protected from getting into any unpleasant situations, but also is easy and safe to control.

The leave command is very helpful in the cases when:

1. The dog is eating or about to eat something undesirable.
2. The dog is jumping over some guest or that squirrel on the tree.
3. The dog is about to get into a conflict with another dog.
4. The dog is chasing a cat or those kitchen roaches.

So as to train the dog for this command, there are a number of methods.

Trick 1:

Take two treats. Keep one in your pocket, and the other on a small table, of height reaching to the dog’s nose. Call your dog. Let him see the treat on that table. The moment he moves ahead to pick the treat, give him the command “leave it” in a firm though polite voice. If he obeys you, praise him and give him the other treat from your pocket.

You can practice this command three to four times a day and the dog becomes perfect in obeying you in not more than a week’s time. In this trick, never give him the treat he is yearning for. Always take it out from your pocket and give it to him.

Trick 2:

Take help of some friend. Ask him to pick one of the dog’s favourite toys and start scrutinising it! The dog will get excited! The moment he is about to react, give him the command “leave it”! As he focuses on you just move in the opposite direction and let him come after you. If he does so, treat him and praise him!

You can practice the same trick using some known dog or a puppy.

Once your dog is perfect with the “leave it” command you can safely take him for long walks with you, unleashed. But before that do not try it as it could be dangerous for you as well as the dog!

 Tips:

1. Give the command before the dog indulges into that action at the time of training. Do not give repetitive commands if he is not obeying you, as this teaches the dog to ignore. Like for example if he is already barking on another dog, wait till he gets calm and then begin the training session again. This also reduces the chances of disobedience.
2. Do not shout or yell at the dog if he disobeys. This may give the dog a way of getting your attention.
3. Never lose your patience. If he disobeys once, try the next time and then again until you succeed. But without getting angry at the dog!
4. Never forget to praise him and tell him what a nice dog he is, every time he obeys you.
5. Begin the training as early as possible.