Introduction
Teaching your dog commands like “Leave It” and “Drop It” isn’t just about obedience — it’s about safety, trust, and impulse control. These two commands can prevent your dog from eating something harmful, grabbing your belongings, or getting into dangerous situations. Whether your furry friend is a playful puppy or an adult dog, learning these cues builds discipline and strengthens your bond.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step training methods to teach both commands effectively using positive reinforcement, along with common mistakes to avoid and practical tips to make training fun and rewarding.
Why “Leave It” and “Drop It” Are Important
Dogs are naturally curious — they love to sniff, explore, and sometimes chew or swallow things they shouldn’t. That’s why teaching “Leave It” (ignore something) and “Drop It” (release something already in their mouth) is essential.
Here’s why these commands matter:
- 🛡️ Safety: Stops your dog from eating toxic foods or harmful objects.
- 🏡 Good manners: Prevents the destruction of household items like shoes or toys.
- 🐕 Improved control: Helps you manage behavior during walks or playtime.
- 🤝 Better bonding: Builds mutual trust and communication between you and your pet.
How to Teach “Leave It”
The “Leave It” command tells your dog to ignore or stay away from something they find interesting. This is useful during walks, at home, or when they spot something unsafe.
Step-by-Step Training:
Start Simple Indoors:
Sit with your dog in a quiet room. Hold a treat in both hands.
- Show one closed fist with a treat inside.
- When your dog sniffs or paws at it, say nothing.
- The moment they stop trying and look away, say “Yes!” or “Good!” and reward them with the treat from your other hand.
Add the Command:
Repeat the exercise, but this time, say “Leave It” as soon as you present your closed hand.
- Wait for your dog to back off.
- Reward only when they completely ignore your hand.
Increase Difficulty:
- Place a treat on the floor and cover it with your hand.
- Say “Leave It.”
- When your dog ignores the treat, reward them with a better one from your pocket.
Practice in Real Life:
Once your dog understands the command indoors, practice it outside with distractions, such as dropped food or toys.
- Always reward with something more valuable than what they’re ignoring.
Tip: Always stay patient — the goal is to make your dog realize that ignoring the first treat leads to a better reward.
How to Teach “Drop It”
The “Drop It” command teaches your dog to release an item already in their mouth — whether it’s a toy, a shoe, or something dangerous. This command is vital for preventing choking or ingestion of harmful objects.
Step-by-Step Training:
Start with a Toy:
- Begin with your dog’s favorite toy. Let them play with it for a few seconds.
- Offer a high-value treat (like chicken or cheese) while saying “Drop It.”
- Most dogs will release the toy to take the treat.
- As soon as they do, say “Good drop!” and give the treat.
Repeat and Reward:
- Once your dog consistently drops the toy, try it without showing the treat first.
- Use the command “Drop It,” wait for them to release the item, then reward.
Add Real-World Practice:
- Use the command during play or when your dog picks up random objects.
- Stay calm — never chase your dog, as this turns it into a game.
Reinforce Positively:
- Praise every success warmly.
- Avoid punishing mistakes; instead, redirect and try again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, some training habits can slow your dog’s progress. Avoid these common mistakes:
- ❌ Using punishment or yelling: It can make your dog fearful or resistant.
- ❌ Pulling items from your dog’s mouth: This can cause aggression or damage trust.
- ❌ Training too long: Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) to maintain attention.
- ❌ Being inconsistent: Always use the exact words (“Leave It” / “Drop It”) and tone.
Training Tips for Success
✅ Use positive reinforcement: Reward with treats, praise, or playtime.
✅ Train daily in short bursts: Consistency is key.
✅ Practice in different environments: Gradually introduce distractions.
✅ Switch rewards: Use a mix of treats, toys, and affection to keep training exciting.
✅ Stay patient: Every dog learns at their own pace — celebrate small wins!
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog guards food or toys or growls when asked to drop something, they might be exhibiting resource-guarding behavior. In such cases:
- Don’t punish or force the object away.
- Seek advice from a certified dog trainer or canine behavior expert for proper guidance.
- They can help correct the behavior safely and effectively.
Final Thoughts
Teaching your dog “Leave It” and “Drop It” may take a little patience, but it’s one of the most valuable skills you can teach. It helps keep your pet safe, builds discipline, and deepens your bond. With consistent practice and positive reinforcement, your furry friend will soon master these commands and become more obedient and confident.
Keep in mind, training goes beyond teaching commands — it’s about building mutual trust and understanding, creating a shared language between you and your dog.
