To teach leave it I always start with a toy or treat in my hand. Again have the puppy in front of you. It could be any position, stand, sit or down. I again prefer sit for when they first start learning this. Put the treat in your hand with your hand flat and palm up. The have the treat about a half foot in front of her on your hand. Say (puppy’s name) and leave it. Then count to two. If she doesn’t move then praise and give her the treat or toy. If she does move to take the treat then close your hand around the treat. Then repostition her and try again. Keep this up till she leaves it. Then end the session on her doing it right. Steadily increase the time and the closeness of the object.

Here are some pictures of Sheena and Luca demonstrating the leave it command. First we will start with their ultimate distraction. Nope not food. Tennis Balls. They will literally do almost anything for a tennis ball. So here we go. First we start of with the tennis ball about a foot or so in front of them while they are in a down stay with a leave it command.