Training Tip: Leave it

A very useful request to protect food, small animals, the cat, shoes, socks, your stuff.

Use clicker training for fastest results. Please make sure that you read a book or watch a DVD before starting clicker training. You will create bad behavior as quickly as good if you don't know what you're doing.

Use low value treats for this training session, nothing too yummy. 
Dinner in bites is perfect for this. It the food is wet, use a plate. 
I like to teach this trick while I'm sitting. You'll need to get close to your dog for this one.

Sit on the floor if you can. Put a small amount of food on the floor and point to it. Quiet voice, say "Leave it". If your dog starts to take the food, cover it with your hand. Take it away by picking it up if you have to. Try again when your dog is calm. (If you have a high drive dog, have the dog lay down to work on this. It's harder for your dog to grab and run when laying down.) Theinstant your dog makes an effort to leave it, give it to her. Say words that you like, like "It's Yours" or "Eat". Don't use "Okay". That word is too common and it will get you and your dog into trouble. Do it again until all the food is gone. Dogs learn this one quickly. Give up the treat to get the treat. 

It's a Zen thing.

Once your dog understands and leaves the food, stretch the time a little longer until your dog will not touch it until you say it's all right, even if you leave the room. Then use Leave It for your stuff. And then the cat. And then, anything. Soon you'll be able to point to anything and say, "Leave it" and your dog will leave that thing alone.

Darcie Krueger, Owner 
SitStay.com