"Leave It" - Self Control
I thought that this would be a good time of year to discuss the "Leave It" cue. With the holidays coming, some of us decorate and could use a reliable Leave It from our dogs.
This method of training "Leave It" incorporates some aspects of another game called "It's Your Choice". Remember to view this exercise as getting focus from your dog and teaching self control. It is important to allow your dog to use their brain as it is important that they learn to back away from your hand or foot to get the treat.
Start with a treat in your closed fist. Ask your dog to leave it, when your dog backs away open your hand and feed the treat to your dog. After several repetitions, try presenting your open hand with a few treats and cue Leave It. If they come in for the treat, close your hand and when they back away open it again. You may have to repeat this several times. When you can have your hand open, take one treat at a time and feed it to your dog. Remember to close your hand if they move toward it.
Next, practice with putting one treat on the floor. Stand up and cover the treat with your foot. Reward your dog by giving them treats for staying away from the treat on the floor. When you are finished, pick up the treat from the floor and feed it to your dog or put the treat in your pocket. Work up to moving your foot away from the treat so it is visible. Continue to reward your dog for staying away and, if needed, you can cover it again.
So how do you apply this to everyday life? When your dog enjoys playing the leave it game, ask them to leave a Kleenex. It will be no longer a struggle as they know they will get something in return. Do the same when you are out walking; if your dog is pulling towards something, ask your dog to leave it which will get there attention and you can reward your dog for leaving it which is much easier than pulling something out of their mouth.
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