“Leave it” is one of the most potentially life-saving commands you can teach your dog. In a country where discarded chicken bones, poisoned baits, toxic foods (grapes, chocolate, xylitol), and hazardous rubbish are regular pavement hazards, a reliable “leave it” can genuinely save your dog’s life. It is also invaluable for preventing resource guarding, redirecting attention from other dogs or wildlife, and managing scavenging behaviour on walks.
The 5-Stage Training Protocol
Stage 1: Closed Fist
- Hold a boring treat in a closed fist. Your dog will sniff, lick, and paw at your hand
- Wait. The moment they pull away or look at you — say “yes” and reward with a different, better treat from your other hand
- The dog learns: leaving the thing = getting something better. Repeat until they immediately look away from your fist when presented
Stage 2: Open Palm
- Place the treat on your open palm. If the dog goes for it, close your hand
- When they look away or at you, mark “yes” and reward from the other hand
- Build until you can hold an open hand with a treat and they choose not to take it
Stage 3: Floor (Covered)
- Place a treat on the floor and cover it with your hand. When the dog looks away, mark and reward from the other hand
- Gradually lift your hand higher, hovering above the treat
- Add the verbal cue “leave it” just before presenting the item
Stage 4: Floor (Uncovered)
- Drop a treat on the floor, say “leave it.” Be ready to cover with your foot if they go for it
- Mark and reward from your hand when they look away
- Increase distance between you, the dropped item, and the dog
Stage 5: Real-World Proofing
- Practise during walks with visible items on the pavement (you placed there intentionally)
- Use on-lead first, then long line, then off-lead
- Practise with items of increasing value — eventually your dog should leave a dropped sausage for a verbal cue alone
The Trade-Up Principle
The key insight: the reward for leaving must always be equal or better than what the dog is leaving. If you ask them to leave a dropped sausage and offer a piece of dry biscuit, the command will fail. Always “trade up.”
FAQs
What if my dog has already grabbed something dangerous?
“Leave it” works before contact — once the item is in the dog’s mouth, you need a reliable “drop it” or “give” command (teach this separately). If your dog has eaten something toxic, call your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509 000) immediately. Do not attempt to make your dog vomit unless directed by a vet.
Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Jenkins, MRCVS
Dr. Jenkins is a fully practicing veterinary surgeon in the UK with over 15 years of clinical experience in small animal medicine and canine behaviour. She reviews and verifies our health content to ensure medical accuracy.