Leave

People are always impressed with this trick. It's also one of the most important, because you want to have control over what your dog picks up in the street.

First of all, this is NOT poison proofing!!!

Now that is understood, on with the instructions.

Armed with your clicker and treats, sit your dog in front of you with their lead on. Hold a piece of the treat in front of its nose, within its reach and say "Leave it". When the pup tries to take it, close your hand around it and say "No!" When pup has settled say "OK"* and give the treat to it.

* OK - you can say whatever you like here, as long as you are constant. Remember, the words "OK" mean no more to your dog then the word "flib". Just make it something you want to say, you wouldn't be embarrased to say in company!

Do step one again, until your dog does not try to take the food as soon as they see it. Then end the lesson.

Next lesson, do it again. If your dog forgets, go back to the "say no" step. However, most likely your dog will only need one or two reminders before they remember.

Once your dog is solid in not taking the treat you can go to the next step. Say "Leave it" and put a treat on the ground in front of your dog. Be ready to restrain your dog from picking up the treat if necessary - it's important that they not get the treat before you pick it up and give it to them. If they try, say "No!" firmly and pull them away (which is why they wear the lead while learning this).

Include this "trick" in every day life as well. Drop a biscuit? Say "leave it!" and make sure that your dog does, even if it means physically removing it from his mouth. Once your dog is good at this you will be more secure that if he picks something up you do not want him to have you can make him drop it.

Just remember, whatever command you give, keep it the same every single time. Your dog doesn't know that "OK" and "alright" mean the same thing, or that "Leave it" and "drop it" can mean the same thing in certain circumstances.

If you have questions about "stay" you would like to see in this section, please email me at eliza@elizasart.com