CANINE CORNER WITH REBECCA HAWKINS
THE "LEAVE IT" COMMAND
With Easter fast approaching and the risk of chocolate being more readily accessible for the opportunist dog in your household I thought I’d share some basic tools to teach your dog the “Leave it” command.
To start, secure your dog on a lead and practice in a calm, distraction-free room at home. Your first goal is to teach them the "leave it" command, which helps prevent them from picking up objects. Hold a treat in your fist while secretly hiding another treat nearby. Allow your dog to sniff your hand; they might lick, paw, or nudge it in an attempt to get the treat. Be patient and wait until they stop trying to get the treat for a few seconds.
Once they pause, reward them with the hidden treat and repeat this process until they understand that complying with the "leave it" command brings rewards.
Next, elevate the training. With your dog still attached to the lead present two kinds of treats: a basic one and a more appealing one. Scatter a few ordinary treats on the ground in front of them and instruct them to "leave it." If needed, use the leash to help control them. Once they resist the urge to grab the ordinary treats, reward them with some of the tastier ones and offer praise. Incorporate this practice into your walks to reinforce the desired behaviour in varied settings.
Finally, it’s important to introduce the “drop it” command to your dog. Start this process by enticing them with a toy that is not particularly appealing to them. Allow your dog to hold the toy in their mouth and play with it for a minute or so. Next, present them with one of their favourite toys or a tasty treat. As soon as they open their mouth to release the toy, clearly say “drop it.” This command will help them associate the phrase with the action of letting go of the item. When they successfully drop the toy, be sure to praise them enthusiastically and encourage them to come to you for the new treat. To enhance their understanding of the “drop it” command, vary the objects you use, consistently encouraging them to trade up for a more desirable item.
Incorporating these commands into your training repertoire is essential for every dog owner, as they promote good behaviour and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.