Mastering "LEAVE IT"

GOOD LEAVE IT!

Training Plan for "Leave It" Command

Materials Needed:

• High-value treats (small, soft treats like pieces of meaty treats or cheese)

• Lower-value treats (like regular kibble or less exciting treats)

• A clicker (optional but helpful for precise timing)

• A leash and collar (for added control if needed)

• A variety of objects (to practice leaving, such as toys, shoes, or a piece of food on the floor)

• Patience and consistency

Lesson 1: Introducing the “Leave It” Command (Foundational Step)

Goal: To introduce your Doodle puppy to the concept of “Leave It” by teaching them to ignore a treat when it’s placed in front of them.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Start with the Treat in Your Hand:

   • Begin by holding a high-value treat in one hand, closed tightly so that your puppy cannot immediately access it. Let them sniff the treat but don’t allow them to grab it.

   • Wait for them to lose interest and stop trying to get the treat. This may take a few moments, so be patient.

2. Introduce the Verbal Cue:

   • As soon as your Doodle puppy stops trying to get the treat, immediately say the command “Leave It” in a calm, firm tone. You can also use a hand signal by extending your hand in front of them, palm facing them, to indicate that they should stop.

3. Reward the Correct Behavior:

   • The moment your puppy looks away or loses interest in the treat, mark the behavior with a clicker (or a verbal cue like “Yes!”) and reward them with a lower-value treat (like kibble) from your other hand.

   • The key is to reward them for not engaging with the treat in your hand, reinforcing the idea that ignoring the item is the right choice.

4. Repeat and Build Duration:

   • Repeat the process several times during the session. Gradually increase the duration that your puppy needs to ignore the treat before receiving the reward.

   • Keep training sessions short and positive—5–10 minutes at a time—to prevent frustration.

Lesson 2: Practicing “Leave It” with Object on the Ground

Goal: To teach your Doodle puppy to leave a tempting object (like a treat, toy, or other object) on the ground when asked.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Place the Object on the Ground:

   • Begin by placing a low-value treat (or other object) on the floor. Let your puppy approach it.

   • If your puppy attempts to grab the object, immediately give the verbal cue “Leave It” and cover the object with your hand to prevent them from getting it.

2. Wait for the Right Moment:

   • Wait for your puppy to look away or lose interest in the object. This may take some time, but be patient. When they look away from the object or turn their attention to you, mark the behavior with a clicker (or “Yes!”) and immediately reward with a different, more appealing treat.

3. Increase the Difficulty:

   • As your puppy begins to understand the concept of “Leave It,” increase the difficulty by using higher-value objects or treats, and start leaving them for longer periods.

   • Gradually remove the hand covering the object and allow your puppy to practice ignoring the object for slightly longer intervals.

4. Add the Release Command:

   • After your puppy successfully ignores the object, you can introduce a release word such as “Okay!” or “Free!” to signal that they can now take the object if you choose to allow it.

   • This will help your puppy understand that “Leave It” is not a permanent “no” but a temporary request for them to focus on you rather than the object.

Lesson 3: Generalizing “Leave It” to More Complex Scenarios

Goal: To help your Doodle puppy apply “Leave It” in real-world situations, including when distractions are present.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Introduce Distractions:

   • Once your Doodle puppy is consistently responding to the “Leave It” command with objects on the ground, begin to introduce distractions. For example, you can place a toy, treat, or item on the floor and walk away from the object, leaving it in your puppy’s path.

   • As your puppy approaches the object, give the “Leave It” command before they can grab it.

2. Gradually Increase the Challenge:

   • Start adding additional distractions, like having another person or dog in the room, or walking in the opposite direction of the object.

   • Slowly increase the difficulty by increasing the distance between you and the object or by placing the object in different locations (e.g., under a table, behind a chair).

3. Reward Success:

   • For each successful “Leave It,” reward your Doodle puppy with a higher-value treat and praise. Gradually reduce the frequency of rewards over time, transitioning to intermittent reinforcement (rewarding sometimes, but not every time).

4. Practice in Different Environments:

   • To generalize the behavior, practice the “Leave It” command in a variety of environments—at home, in the backyard, at the park, or while on walks. This helps your puppy understand that “Leave It” applies in all situations, not just during training.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Puppy Doesn’t Respond to "Leave It":

   • If your Doodle puppy isn’t responding to “Leave It,” check if you’re rewarding them too early or not providing enough motivation. Use higher-value treats or make the environment less distracting at first.

   • Practice in quieter, controlled environments before gradually introducing more distractions.

2. Puppy Keeps Going After the Object:

   • If your puppy continues to grab the object despite the “Leave It” command, try increasing the difficulty more gradually. Start with objects they have less interest in, then work up to more tempting items.

   • Use the leash and collar to guide your puppy back if needed.

3. Puppy Looks at You but Still Grabs the Object:

   • If your puppy looks at you but then goes for the object, it means they need more impulse control practice. Use a stronger visual cue (like holding your hand out) and reinforce the “Leave It” by rewarding after they successfully stop.

Conclusion: The Importance of "Leave It" for Doodle Puppies

Teaching your Doodle puppy the “Leave It” command is crucial for ensuring their safety, developing impulse control, and fostering good behavior. It prevents your puppy from engaging with harmful or inappropriate objects, encourages focus and attentiveness, and lays the foundation for more complex training in the future.

A well-trained Doodle who understands “Leave It” will be easier to manage in everyday life and safer in a variety of situations,