Leave it and drop it are different commands with different applications. Leave it means 'don't touch that thing you're approaching.' Drop it means 'release what you already have.' Both are essential safety commands.
Teaching Leave It: Stage 1
Hold a treat in your closed fist. Present it to your dog. They'll sniff, lick, paw. The moment they stop and pull back — even slightly — say "yes" and give a different treat from your other hand. Repeat 20 times. Never give the treat from the closed fist — that one is always "off limits."
Teaching Leave It: Stage 2
Place a treat on the floor and cover it with your foot. Say "leave it." When your dog stops trying to get it and looks at you, reward with a treat from your hand. Progress to placing the treat on the floor without covering it, then to placing it at a distance.
Teaching Leave It: Real World
Practice with food on walks, dropped items at home, and other dogs. The cue "leave it" should predict that something better is coming from you. Never ask your dog to leave something and then fail to reward — this erodes the command.
Teaching Drop It
While your dog plays with a toy, offer a high-value treat near their nose. Most dogs will drop the toy to investigate the treat. Say "drop it" just as they release, then give the treat AND give the toy back. Giving the toy back prevents dogs from guarding items.
Trading Game
For dogs that guard objects: never chase or reach for an item they have. Instead, approach calmly, present a high-value treat, and when they drop the item, give the treat and give the item back. Over many repetitions, dogs learn that you coming toward them while they have something = good things happen.
Want a step-by-step training system?
Brain Training for Dogs by certified trainer Adrienne Farricelli covers every behavior — from basics to advanced fixes.
Start Brain Training for Dogs ›Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you
Frequently Asked Questions
My dog grabbed something dangerous — how do I get it back immediately?
Offer the highest-value treat you have near their nose. Most dogs drop immediately. If they run, do not chase — crouch down and move away, which often triggers them to approach you. Only grab an item from a dog's mouth if it's a medical emergency, as this can cause biting.
Why won't my dog leave it outside?
Outdoor smells and items are often more valuable than your treats. Increase treat value (use real chicken or beef outdoors), practice 'leave it' on leash where you have management, and build the cue's value before practicing off-leash.
How do I teach leave it for other dogs?
Start at a distance where your dog notices the other dog but isn't reactive. Say 'leave it' and reward attention on you. Gradually decrease distance as the behavior becomes reliable. This is counter-conditioning work, not simple obedience.
Should I say 'leave it' before or after my dog notices the item?
Before, ideally. 'Leave it' is a cue to not approach something you're about to encounter. If your dog already has the item, use 'drop it.' Using 'leave it' after they've already grabbed something creates confusion.