How to Train Your Dog to Leave It: A Guide for Pet Owners
Some dog behaviors are cute—like belly flops into the couch or that excited little dance when you come home. Others, not so much—like darting for a piece of chicken on the sidewalk or trying to chew up your phone charger. That’s where one command becomes incredibly useful: “Leave it.”
Learning how to train your dog to leave it is one of the most important things you can do as a pet parent. Not only does it help keep your home in order, but more importantly, it can keep your dog safe. Whether it’s a toxic snack on the ground, a sharp object, or a neighborhood cat, teaching your dog to resist the urge to grab something can be life-saving.
This guide walks you through exactly how to do it, step by step. It’s designed for new dog owners, seasoned trainers, and anyone in between. If you’ve been wondering how to get started with “leave it” or feel like your training has hit a wall, you’re in the right place.
Why “Leave It” Matters
Before we get into the how, let’s take a second to understand the why. The “leave it” command is about much more than obedience. It’s a safety cue, an impulse control tool, and a way to build trust between you and your dog.
Think about these common situations:
Your dog lunges at a chicken bone on the sidewalk.
A bottle of pills spills on the floor.
Your dog notices a squirrel while off-leash.
A toddler drops a snack, and your dog races toward it.
In every one of these cases, a solid “leave it” can be the difference between a safe outcome and a dangerous one. That’s why learning how to train your dog to leave it should be a top priority.
How Dogs Learn the “Leave It” Command
Dogs don’t naturally understand that they can’t have everything they see. Puppies, especially, explore the world with their noses and mouths. “Leave it” helps them understand that some things are off-limits—and that listening to you can be more rewarding than grabbing whatever they see.
The goal is simple: when your dog hears “leave it,” they should stop what they’re doing, ignore the object or distraction, and focus on you instead.
Training this behavior takes time, consistency, and a whole lot of treats—but it’s 100% worth the effort.
How to Train Your Dog to Leave It: Step-by-Step
Let’s break down the actual training into manageable steps.
Step 1: Start with “Take It”
Before you teach “leave it,” your dog needs to know “take it.” This sets up a contrast between “yes, you can have this” and “no, you can’t.”
Sit in a quiet area with your dog and have a few treats in hand.
Say “take it” while offering a treat in your open palm.
Let your dog take the treat, and give plenty of praise.
Repeat until your dog clearly understands that “take it” means permission to grab the treat.
By teaching “take it” first, your dog learns that rewards come through you, not by lunging at things on their own.
Step 2: Introduce the “Leave It” Cue
Now that your dog understands “take it,” you can move on to “leave it.”
Hold a treat in your closed fist and let your dog sniff it.
Say nothing and wait. Your dog may lick, nudge, or paw at your hand.
The moment they stop trying and pull away, say “yes!” or “good,” and give them a different treat from your other hand.
Repeat until they consistently pull away from the closed hand.
Once your dog starts backing off right away, begin adding the cue: say “leave it” just as you present the closed fist. This teaches them the phrase that matches the action.
When done right, this early exercise builds the foundation for how to train your dog to leave it in all sorts of situations.
Step 3: Build Eye Contact and Focus
A big part of teaching “leave it” is redirecting your dog’s attention to you. Eye contact is a great way to reinforce that shift in focus.
Say “leave it” as your dog approaches your hand with the treat.
Wait until they stop engaging and look up at you.
The moment they look at you, they praise and give a treat.
With repetition, your dog will start offering eye contact instead of continuing to fixate on the object. This step is critical when learning how to train your dog to leave it in distracting environments.
Step 4: Practice with the Treat on the Ground
Once your dog is doing well with treats in your hand, move to a more challenging setup.
Place a treat on the floor and cover it with your hand.
Say “leave it” as your dog approaches.
Wait until your dog backs away, then reward from your other hand.
As your dog gets better, start uncovering the treat, then increase the difficulty by standing up and using a leash to guide them away if needed.
This is a crucial part of how to train your dog to leave it because it mimics real-world situations more closely.
Step 5: Add Distractions and Real-Life Challenges
Now it’s time to level up.
Try using high-value items like favorite toys or yummy snacks.
Practice during walks, in the backyard, or at the park.
Place non-food objects (like a sock or toy) on the ground and say “leave it.”
If your dog struggles with a high-value item, just take a step back and practice with a lower-value one again. Reinforce the behavior consistently and only move forward when your dog is successful most of the time.
This step teaches your dog how to leave it even when the temptation is strong.
Tips for Success
Learning how to train your dog to leave it can take time, but these tips can make it easier:
Keep sessions short. 5–10 minutes is plenty. You want to keep your dog interested, not bored or overwhelmed.
Be consistent. Use the same words, tone, and reward system every time.
Don’t repeat the command. Say “leave it” once and wait. Repeating it too often weakens the cue.
Use different environments. Dogs don’t generalize well. Practice in multiple places so your dog understands the command everywhere.
Reward heavily at first. High-value treats work best in the early stages.
What to Do If Your Dog Struggles
Sometimes, even with the best intentions, training doesn’t go as planned. If your dog seems stuck, here are a few things to try:
Go back a step. If your dog isn’t listening to “leave it” with a toy, go back to using kibble.
Use a leash. During outdoor walks, use the leash to prevent your dog from reaching the object.
Try a different reward. Some dogs aren’t motivated by treats but will work for praise or toys.
Add a “take it” cue. Give your dog permission to take something after a successful “leave it.” This reinforces that listening brings rewards.
These adjustments can make a huge difference in your success when learning how to train your dog to leave it in various scenarios.
When to Start Teaching “Leave It”
You can start teaching “leave it” as soon as your puppy is around 8 weeks old. Young puppies are naturally curious and eager to learn, so it’s a perfect time to lay the groundwork. But if you have an older dog, don’t worry—it’s never too late to teach this command.
How “Leave It” Helps Beyond Safety
Besides preventing dangerous situations, learning how to train your dog to leave it builds better manners and strengthens your relationship. Your dog learns to trust your guidance and becomes more focused and patient.
It also sets the stage for more advanced training, like off-leash recall, stay commands, and even agility work. A dog that can ignore distractions is easier to manage and more enjoyable to be around.
Why “Leave It” Is a Must-Have Skill
Whether you’ve got a curious puppy or a snack-hunting senior, teaching your dog to “leave it” is one of the most valuable skills they can learn. It gives you control in unpredictable situations, keeps your dog safe, and helps them build impulse control.
If you’ve been wondering how to train your dog to leave it, now you’ve got the tools to begin. Remember to be patient, stay consistent, and enjoy the small victories along the way. Dog training takes time, but with the right approach, your dog will get there—and the bond you build will be worth it.
Need extra support or personalized guidance? Contact The Trusted Companion today to see how we can help you succeed with how to train your dog to leave it.
FAQs
How do I start training my dog to "leave it"?
Start by holding a treat in your hand and letting your dog sniff it, then close your hand around the treat. Say "leave it." Once your dog stops sniffing and licking your hand and moves away, praise them and give them a different treat from your other hand.
What commands should I use during "leave it" training?
Use a firm and consistent command such as "leave it" every time you want your dog to ignore something. Consistency in the command and your tone of voice helps your dog understand and obey the instruction.
How can I practice the "leave it" command in different situations?
After your dog has mastered "leave it" with treats in a controlled environment, practice in more distracting environments gradually. Introduce new objects or situations where they must obey the command, ensuring to praise and reward them for compliance.
What should I do if my dog doesn't listen to the "leave it" command?
If your dog fails to obey the "leave it" command, go back a step in your training where they were successful. Never punish your dog for not following the command, as this can build negative associations. Instead, use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behavior.
How long does it take to train my dog to "leave it"?
The time it takes to train your dog to "leave it" can vary depending on the dog's age, temperament, and previous training experience. Most dogs can learn the basic command within a few weeks of consistent practice, but refining and solidifying the behavior in various situations may take longer.