Teaching your dog the “Leave It” command is one of the most critical skills you can instill. It’s not just a parlor trick—it’s a life-saving cue that prevents your dog from ingesting toxic food, dangerous objects on walks, or snatching things they shouldn't in your home.
Whether you're teaching a new puppy or an adult dog, this positive reinforcement method uses tasty rewards like our high-value Training Treats to make learning fast and fun.
What is the "Leave It" Cue For Dogs?
The "Leave It" command instructs your dog to immediately disengage from whatever item is currently holding their attention (food, a toy, a dangerous object) and look back at you for a different reward. It is a fundamental impulse control exercise.
Teaching your dog the "Leave It" cue involves using high-value rewards to establish a clear trade: your dog ignores a less-desirable item (like a piece of kibble) in favor of a much better reward (like a high-value Chicken Jerky piece) given by you. This process, taught in gradual stages, reinforces the idea that ignoring tempting items leads to a greater payout and prevents the dog from eating dangerous items.
Essential Supplies for "Leave It" Training
Before you begin, gather your tools. Using the right dog treats is key, as you need two distinct types of rewards: a low-value lure and a high-value reward.
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Low-Value Lure: A handful of your dog's regular kibble or a less-exciting treat. This is the item your dog must learn to ignore.
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High-Value Reward: This must be an irresistible reward—something your dog loves and will work hard for. We recommend using single-ingredient, highly palatable chews or treats like small pieces of our Bully Bites or our delicious Sweet Potato Treats.
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A Quiet Area: Start in a distraction-free environment, like a kitchen or living room.
5-Step Guide: How to Teach “Leave It” to Your Dog
This process should be taught in phases, ensuring your dog successfully masters one step before moving to the next.
Step 1: The Covered Hand (Introduction)
The goal here is to teach your dog that their nose and mouth won't work to get the treat—only looking away will.
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Place a low-value treat (the lure) in the palm of your hand and close it into a fist.
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Hold your fist in front of your dog's nose. Say the cue: "Leave It."
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Your dog will likely lick, sniff, or paw at your hand. Do not say anything and do not open your hand.
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The instant your dog backs away, even for a second, or stops trying to get the treat, immediately open your other hand and give them the high-value reward, saying “Yes!” or “Good!”
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Repeat this 10-15 times until your dog is backing away almost immediately upon hearing "Leave It."
Step 2: On the Floor (Still Covered)
Now, move the low-value treat to the floor.
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Place the low-value treat on the floor and cover it completely with your hand. Say "Leave It."
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Wait for your dog to stop sniffing or nudging your hand.
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When they back away, immediately reward them with the high-value treat from your other hand and praise them.
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Repeat until your dog is consistently ignoring the covered treat on the floor.
Step 3: Moving to Uncovered (Quick Practice)
This is the hardest step—the treat is visible, increasing the temptation. You must be quick!
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Put the low-value treat on the floor. Say "Leave It."
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Wait a moment, then slowly remove your hand. Be ready to cover it quickly if your dog lunges.
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If your dog tries to take the treat, immediately say "Too bad!" and cover the treat with your hand. Wait for them to back off.
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If your dog holds back and looks at you, immediately reward them with the high-value treat. The reward must be faster than the lunge!
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Practice until your dog can keep their nose away from the visible treat for 3-5 seconds.
Step 4: Adding Distance and Duration
Once your dog is reliably looking away, begin practicing with distance and duration.
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Put the low-value treat on the floor. Say "Leave It."
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Take one step back. If your dog stays put, reward. If they move toward the treat, go back to Step 3.
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Slowly increase the time you wait before rewarding (duration) and the number of steps you take away (distance).
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Vary the low-value item. Use toys, kibble, or even a piece of our Sweet Potato Slices to see if they can resist.
Step 5: Proofing the Command
How to teach puppy leave it and drop it reliably requires "proofing," which means practicing in distracting environments (proofing).
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In Public: Practice in your yard, then on leashed walks (where the "leave it" cue is often a necessity).
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High-Value Lures: Start practicing with tempting items like discarded food or dropped Cow Ears (make sure to supervise closely).
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The "Drop It" Connection: The "Leave It" cue is used to prevent the dog from picking up an item. The "Drop It" cue is used to get the dog to release an item they already have in their mouth. Always follow up "Leave It" practice with "Drop It" practice. The mechanics are similar: Trade what they have for a better reward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to teach your dog to wait for a treat?
The "Wait" command is similar to "Leave It" but is used for manners and patience, often before eating a meal or taking a treat from your hand.
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Hold the treat toward your dog.
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Give the "Wait" cue.
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Slowly move your hand toward their mouth. If they lunge, withdraw the treat and start again.
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If they remain still until your hand is in front of them, give a release word ("Okay!") and let them take the treat. This teaches polite behavior and excellent impulse control.
Why won't my dog leave it?
If your dog is struggling, the most likely reasons are:
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The Reward Isn't High Enough: Your high-value treat must be significantly more appealing than the lure. Try something intensely flavored like our Dog Food Topper - Beef Liver sprinkled on a piece of kibble.
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Moving Too Fast: Go back to the covered hand stage (Step 1). Ensure they are 90% successful before moving on.
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Inconsistency: Everyone in the household must use the same cue and method every time.
Leave it dog Training video
Many owners look for visual demonstrations. It is crucial to watch a professional dog trainer perform these steps to ensure you are timing your reward correctly—this is the most critical element of the training.
Teaching "Leave It" requires patience and positive reinforcement, but the result is a safer, more reliable dog. Keep your training sessions short, fun, and always end on a success!
Ready to Train? Stock Up on Rewards!
Consistency is key, and high-value treats are your best tool. Shop our premium, single-ingredient options today:
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Training Treats (Perfect size for quick rewards)
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Chicken Jerky (Easy to break into small, high-value pieces)
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Bully Bites (Irresistible reward pieces for difficult sessions)