Lesson

Orange Belt - 5 min
Leave It
Ignore the thing on the floor because you pay better.
5 min
LEAVE IT
Looks away
Guided rep 1 / 5
Hold a treat in a closed fist.
0/3
clean reps
1. Setup
2. Cue
3. Mark
4. Reward
Set the room up so leave it can win before you cue.
Why it matters
Leave it protects dogs from food, trash, socks, medication, chicken bones, and things that trigger chase or guarding.
Training steps
1
Hold a treat in a closed fist.
2
Let them sniff, lick, and think.
3
When they back off, mark and reward from the other hand.
4
Move to a treat under your shoe.
5
Add the cue only once backing off is reliable.
Doodle pro tip
The reward comes from elsewhere. The lesson is not that forbidden food opens; the lesson is that ignoring it pays.
Success signs
✓ Backs off closed fist
✓ Backs off covered floor treat
✓ Looks to you after cue
Common mistake
Saying leave it while the dog is already swallowing the item.
0/3 sessions
Complete one focused session.
Safety first
For dangerous items, manage the environment first. Training is not a substitute for prevention.