A solid ‘leave’ command is an essential element of basic training - and important if you play tug or fetch with your dog.
The trouble is, after a super fun, interactive game of tug or fetch, persuading your dog to ‘leave it’ isn’t easy.
That’s because your dog's in a state of high arousal and ‘leaving’ their favourite Tug-E-Nuff toy or ball is the last thing they want to do. So how do you teach your dog a ‘leave’ command? We asked our play expert Chelsea to share her steps for success…
How to teach your dog to 'leave it'
Step 1. Keep it low energy
In a heightened state of arousal, your dog will struggle with the idea of letting their prized toy go. Chelsea recommends starting to teach this when your dog is calm and keeping the game low energy to begin with.
Chelsea says:
‘Offer the toy to your dog and once they have hold of it, calmly ask for a 'leave' or 'drop'. I like to place one hand on the toy (be sure not to be pulling it away from them or they will think you are continuing the game) and the other gently on their collar.’
Step 2. Wait and reward
When you're ready, stop moving the toy and make it still or 'dead'. Say your 'leave it' or 'drop it' cue. The moment your dog releases the toy, reward them immediately. If your dog won't let go of the toy, toss a treat away for them to chase after.
Chelsea says:
‘I like to mix it up with treats and play so they can't always predict the reward. With the treat I like to toss it for them to catch as it makes the reward more exciting.
Or, if using play, I make sure I re-engage in the game of tug instantly. This is helpful because it teaches that ‘leave’ doesn’t always mean the game is over, but can be part of the fun.
‘Super snappy quick rewards are important so your dog isn’t left waiting or getting frustrated.’
Step 3. Using treats.
When you do need to end the game, if you find your dog gets frustrated and keeps grabbing for their Tug-E-Nuff toy, try scattering a few treats on the floor just before you pop the toy away.
Chelsea says:
‘This way they can focus on something else straight away. Plus, sniffing is a calming activity so sniffing to find the treats on the floor is a great way to calm things down after a high arousal game of tug.’
What to do if your dog is struggling
If your dog is too engaged in the game to give the toy up and lowering the intensity isn't helping, try playing toy switch first.
This game begins by exchanging two identical toys which can make it easier for your dog to succeed.
HOW TO PLAY:
To play, you’ll need two identical toys. Using matching toys helps ensure your dog doesn’t have a preference and makes it easier for them to succeed.
Step 1: Start by engaging your dog in a fun game of tug with the toy number 1. Keep toy number 2 hidden behind your back for now. When your dog is fully focused on toy 1, stop moving it - make it ‘dead.’
Step 2: Then, bring out toy number 2 and wiggle it with plenty of movement to grab your dog’s attention. As your dog releases toy 1 and grabs toy 2, introduce your cue - switch! - and immediately reward them with a lively game of tug using toy 2.
Step 3: Pop the toy behind your back again and repeat the game. This game teaches your dog that letting go when you ask means even more fun is coming!
As your dog gets more comfortable dropping the toy, you can make the game more challenging by playing with two different tuggies. Then, when they've masted that try moving onto teaching a leave it with just one toy in the game.
