How To Teach Your Chicago Dog To �leave It’ Alone!

Sometimes when out dog walking, Chicago residents could use an extra command in their dog’s repertoire when your pup doesn’t want to stop going after that dead bird or other dog. That’s why the �leave it’ command is such a necessary part of every Chicago dog’s obedience training. So to have your pup listen and leave things alone without having to yank on the leash and drag them down the block, here’s how to do it with a training scheme based in positive reinforcement!

When to Start

You can start teaching your dog this technique at any time. Whither young or old, it’s a valuable part of obedience training for the Chicago dog. Walking, at home or anywhere, you can make use of this useful command!

The �Leave It’ Command � Building the Behavior

To start your dog on the path to learning the most valuable verbal command for Chicago dog walking, you need to build the behavior first!

1.In a familiar environment without any distractions, take a seat before your dog.

2.Keep a simple treat in one hand (such as kibble) which will be the �Leave It’ treat, and a favorite treat (like liver, part of a hot dog etc.) for your dog in the other hand which will be the �jackpot’ treat.

3.With your �leave it’ treat resting on an open palm, extend it towards your dog without saying anything. When your dog reaches to get it, quickly close your hand and don’t let him get it. Wait for your dog to lose interest in the treat and immediately say �Yes!’ and give him the jackpot treat.

If your dog is persistent and determined to get at the �leave it’ treat, then keep your fist closed and hold it from his reach while ignoring him. Then wait until he loses interest before giving him the jackpot treat.

4.Wait about 10 seconds and repeat steps 2 and 3. If he dives for the �leave it’ treat, close your fist and keep him from getting it. Don’t falter if he looks a bit confused, that’s a sign that he’s starting to think about the problem! Once he loses interest say �yes!’ and give him the jackpot treat. If your dog quickly loses interest in the �leave it’ treat, give an enthusiastic �Yes!’ the jackpot treat and a scratch behind the ears.

5.Repeat 3 and 4 multiple times consistently. Don’t throw in any twists or mess up the reward system or you may botch the training. Training a dog is all about consistency and repetition! This will train your dog that the boring �leave it’ treat should be ignored and doing so gets him a much better reward!

The �Leave It’ Command � Attaching Verbal Cues

With the basic behavior in mind, it’s time to start adding verbal cues for your Chicago dog. Walkers everywhere will be envious of your dog’s obedience once you complete this!

1.Continue practicing the above method, but start saying �Leave It’ as you extend the plain treat to him. Doing so will attach the verbal command to the action of ignoring the plain treat.

2.Now that your dog has a behavior and command, start steadily introducing him to the following scenarios to expand the uses for the command. Remember to be patient and consistent as well as not moving too quickly for your dog. Fantastic Chicago dog walking and training takes time!

Switch up the placement of the �leave it’ treat hand.

Don’t say �yes’ and reward your dog until they make eye contact with you. This will train your dog to look to you for guidance after saying �leave it.’

Put the �leave it’ treat on the ground in front of your feet as you stand. If he dives for it, quickly place your foot over it (we advise wearing old sneakers for this.)

Start switching up the training area until your dog can perform the training outside.

Start standing at farther distances from your dog and saying �Leave It.’ This may take many attempts, so move back closer if your dog snaps up the treat.

Start practicing with distractions in the room such as other people, dogs, etc. (a leash on dog park will be a great place to try this.)

Put treats out on the ground as you are dog walking. Chicago dogs should learn to ignore these treats as you walk past them. Remember to pick them back up and don’t allow your dog to eat them afterwards!

With a lot of patience, positive reinforcement and repetition, you’ll have a loyal canine that will stop in the midst of chasing the most enticing of prey and come back to you at your call. For Chicago dog walkers, what could be a better trait in their dog to have than to ignore that enticing object or creature and be mindful instead?