Yesterday I talked about a way to train the “leave it�? command using luring (a technique in which a treat or toy is used as a lure for the dog to follow to help them do the right the right thing). If you haven’t read that entry, please do so now because it will help you understand this method.

You can train a dog to leave an object alone without luring by using this method. If you use a clicker this method will be even easier.

Place a desired object on the floor. Fill your pockets with outstanding, small, preferably soft treats or a toy that your dog will consider more desirable than the object. Bring your dog into the room on leash. Keep the leash short enough that the dog cannot get the item. Do not show your dog your treats or toy. When your dog notices the item, wait. Your dog may pull, lunge, or otherwise try to get the item. Say nothing and wait.

Eventually, your dog will most likely turn around to see why you are preventing him from getting the item (if your dog never, ever stops looking at the item – which if you’re patient enough shouldn’t happen – try a less interesting item or move farther away). If you are using a clicker or a verbal marker, click or mark at that moment and reward with your dog with several bites of treats or a game with the toy, and lots of praise. Get up and move around until your dog is distracted by the item again and repeat.

When your dog glances at the item and then quickly looks at you for a reward, start adding your cue by saying, “leave it.�? Time it so that you say, “leave it�? right before your dog looks at you. Over the next few training sessions, use different, more desirable items for your dog to leave. Change locations so that you practice in every room in your house.

If you say “leave it�? and your dog doesn’t look away, take your dog and walk away from the item. Try again, but make the task easier by moving farther away from the item or replacing it with a less desirable item.

Move to using your leave it cue off leash by following the steps mentioned in the previous entry.