"Leave it" trains your dog to ignore or turn away from objects and situations on cue. It's one of the most useful — and safest — skills you can teach, helping you prevent your dog from eating something toxic or dangerous on a walk, and keeping wildlife and other animals safe from unwanted interactions.

The key to success is reward value: whatever you offer must be equal to or better than what your dog is giving up. A half-eaten meat pie on the ground at the park, for instance, is extremely high-value to most dogs — so a bland treat won't cut it. Keep something genuinely exciting on hand (like cheese or cooked chicken) so your dog is always motivated to choose you over the temptation.

When you see your dog going towards something that they cannot have you can ask them to ‘leave it’.  

1. Start with some everyday objects and very high-value treats  
2. Offer your dog something of little interest (e.g. a pen, a key etc.) 
3. As your dog shows interest in that object, lure their head away from it with a treat
4. As soon as they follow the treat say ‘yes’ and reinforce with a treat
5. After 2-3 repetitions, end the session 
6. Repeat this step over a few sessions with various objects and then some minor distractions (e.g. a family member walking past) 
7. Fade the treat lure and get them to follow your hand or present your hand for a hand target
8. Once they can do this, you can add the verbal cue ‘leave it’

Top tips 

• Start in low distraction areas (like at home) 
• High value treats - think stinky, smelly, soft like cheese & meats
• Start with lower value items items for your dog to practise with and work up  
• Repetition is key to your success - try doing this daily on walks 
• Avoid your dog being frustrated, small training sessions are best