Teaching Your Dog To Stop Doing Something

Training your dog to understand ‘leave it’ or ‘no’ can be beneficial when they are doing something undesirable or investigating something they shouldn’t.

It can also stop them doing something that might result in injury, such as eating something harmful like chocolate. In all of these situations, your dog needs to be under control and be able to listen and respond to your commands quickly. The idea is for you to be able to get your dog’s attention and distract them from what they are doing by using a verbal command with incentive (such as a reward) at any time.

Redirecting Your Dog

In order to train your dog to stop doing something potentially dangerous or harmful, I always advice dog owners it’s important to distract and redirect through positive reinforcement. It’s all about teaching your dog that they will always receive something better when you say ‘leave it’, such as their favourite toy or treat. Shower them with praise and they’ll soon come to understand that what you are offering is better than whatever it is that they are investigating. Teaching your dog to ‘leave’ could be potentially life-saving, which is why it’s so important.

Positive Reinforcements

This can be done with low value and high value rewards. Find out what motivates your dog; are they a toy or treat lover? Although most dogs are motivated by treats, active breeds like Collies or Shepherds might prefer toys. It’s all about knowing your dog’s preferences and what they essentially can’t resist.

Rewards

If they prefer treats over toys, then the toy is the low value reward and the treat is the high value reward. If they rather toys over treats, then the treat is the low value and the toy is the high value. This can also be done with two toys (one they don’t often play with and one they do play with) or two treats (one they like and one they absolutely cannot resist!)

Let your dog investigate the low value reward (if it’s a treat, make sure it’s contained so they can’t help themselves) and then firmly say ‘leave it.’ When they stop and look at you, give them plenty of praise and tell them they are good; then, give them the higher value reward. Repeat this step several times until they consistently make the choice to move away from the low value reward. Practise this method many times but in short, regular sessions so your dog doesn’t get frustrated. Be ready with a super high-value reward and keep your dog on lead to prevent them from taking off after the distraction.

By working on this command, your dog will learn to listen to you. A strong “leave it” command means you choose what is appropriate and safe, not your dog. And by expanding the ‘leave it’ cue to mean anything in their environment, you will also be able to control your dog and keep them safe.

Got a Question?

As always, the Petmania staff will be able to assist you in making the right choice for your dog when it comes to leads, harnesses and more. If you have any questions at all, be sure to pop in store or message online and they’d be happy to help. For more on training your dog and expert behavioural tips, be sure to visit my website here.