Training Tips: “Leave It” and “Drop It” Commands Made Easy

🐾 Why “Leave It” and “Drop It” Are Must-Have Commands

“Leave It”

This command tells your dog to ignore something they’re interested in—before they touch it. It’s the “don’t even think about it” of dog training.

Useful for:

• Avoiding dangerous food or rubbish on walks
• Stopping interest in another dog’s toy
• Ignoring distractions or wildlife

Grumpy Old Max:

“Leave it? How ‘bout you leave me to my sniffing and mind your business.”

“Drop It”

This one comes into play when your dog already has something in their mouth. It means: let go, now.

Useful for:

• Retrieving stolen socks, shoes, or remotes
• Breaking up tug-of-war with something they shouldn’t have
• Preventing swallowed objects or choking hazards

Grumpy Old Max:

“Drop it? I just got it. It’s moist, it squeaks, it smells like victory. Why would I drop it?”

🎯 Training the “Leave It” Command

What You’ll Need:

• High-value treats (soft and smelly—think chicken or cheese)
• A quiet space free of distractions
• Patience and a good sense of humour

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Teach the Concept

1. Hold a treat in your closed fist.
2. Let your dog sniff, lick, paw… but don’t say anything.
3. The moment they stop trying and back off, say “Yes!” and give them a different treat from your other hand.
4. Repeat until your dog reliably backs off.

Grumpy Old Max:

“You’re telling me to ignore a treat... so I can get another treat? What kind of wizardry is this?”

Step 2: Add the Cue

1. Hold a treat in your hand again, but this time say “Leave it” as your dog approaches.
2. The moment they pause or pull back, say “Yes!” and reward from the other hand.
3. Repeat multiple times.

Step 3: Practice on the Floor

1. Place the treat on the ground, covered by your hand.
2. Say “Leave it.”
3. If your dog lunges, keep the treat covered.
4. When they back off—reward from your hand.

Important: Never let your dog take the item you’ve told them to “leave.” That only teaches them to wait you out.

Step 4: Increase Difficulty

• Use different objects (toys, dropped food, etc.)
• Practice in new places (backyard, hallway, during walks)
• Add distance and duration

🧻 Training the “Drop It” Command

What You’ll Need:

• A toy your dog loves
• High-value treats
• A little acting ability (you’re going to pretend that sock isn’t a big deal… even though it is)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Trade Up

1. Give your dog a toy to hold or play tug.
2. Hold a tasty treat near their nose and say “Drop it.”
3. When they release the item, say “Yes!” and give them the treat.
4. Immediately give the toy back to keep the game fun.

Grumpy Old Max:

“So I drop the toy, get a snack, and get the toy back? Is this a trick? I’m suspicious.”

Repeat until they drop on command, without hesitation.

Step 2: Use It in Real Life

Start applying it when your dog picks up socks, shoes, mail, or something random. Always stay calm—rushing toward them will trigger the “keep away” game.

Say “Drop it,” offer the trade, and reward when they comply.

Step 3: Fade the Treats

Eventually, your dog should “drop it” even without seeing the treat first. Use praise or brief tug sessions as rewards, so you’re not bribing forever.

😬 Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Mistake 1: Using “Drop It” to End Fun

If every time your dog drops something the fun ends (you take the toy and walk away), they’ll resist the command. Make sure you often give the item back or swap for something better.

Mistake 2: Repeating the Command

Saying “Leave it, leave it, LEAVE IT!” only teaches your dog that they can wait until the third time. Say it once, then guide or redirect.

Mistake 3: Punishing Instead of Rewarding

Don’t yell when your dog grabs something. You’re trying to build trust and response—not fear. A calm trade is far more effective.

Grumpy Old Max:

“Yell all you want—I’ll still have your sock halfway down my throat before you get off the couch.”

🧠 Tips for Success

• Practice daily in short sessions (5–10 minutes is perfect)
• Keep training fun—dogs respond better when they enjoy it
• Reward generously early on; fade rewards gradually
• Use real-life opportunities to reinforce both commands



Try these real-world scenarios:

• Drop it when your dog grabs the TV remote (again)
• Leave it when they see food on the footpath
• Drop it during tug before re-engaging the game
• Leave it when they get too curious about the cat’s food

🐶 What If My Dog Ignores Me?

Sometimes, your dog will ignore you—especially if they’ve learned that the thing in their mouth is more exciting than whatever you’re offering.

Troubleshooting:

• Increase treat value (break out the roast chicken!)
• Practice in calm environments first
• Shorten training sessions to prevent boredom
• Avoid chasing—they’ll think it’s a game

If your dog is a resource guarder (growling, snapping when you approach), don’t force the issue. Work with a qualified trainer or behaviourist.



Grumpy Old Max:

“If I’m growling over a stolen biscuit, just back off. It’s not worth the ER visit, mate.”

🏆 Celebrating Progress

Celebrate the wins! Every time your dog responds to “Leave it” or “Drop it,” they’re showing impulse control, trust, and a desire to please you.

Take photos, give praise, share it with your dog-mad friends.

And remember Max’s final words of wisdom:

“If I gave up your sock for a piece of chicken, you better believe I’m a very good boy. Don’t hold back on the praise, human.”

Final Thoughts: Two Commands That Could Save Your Dog’s Life

“Leave it” and “Drop it” aren’t just party tricks. They’re powerful tools to protect your dog from danger, teach manners, and keep your belongings out of harm’s way.

With consistency, patience, and a few slices of roast chicken, any dog can master them—even the cheekiest sock thieves.

Stick with Wagwise and Grumpy Old Max for more real-world dog training advice—because good dogs aren't born... they’re bribed.

Sorry—trained.

Definitely trained.