Hey {{first_name}} Dog Parents 💌,
Let’s talk about one of those moments every dog parent knows too well.
Your dog spots something.
Something questionable.
Something you definitely don’t want in their mouth.
A dropped pill.
A chicken bone on the sidewalk.
A mystery snack in the grass.
Your heart jumps.
Your reflexes lag.
And for half a second, everything feels out of control.
This is where the “Leave It” command changes everything.
Not because it’s fancy.
Not because it makes your dog “obedient.”
But because it gives your dog the ability to pause, think, and choose safety.
🐾 Read on, then take a moment to visit our store before you go. Shop with heart. Every purchase helps feed dogs in need at shelters across the country.
🧠 What “Leave It” Really Means to Your Dog
To humans, “Leave it” sounds simple.
To dogs, it’s a powerful concept:
Don’t touch that.
Disengage.
Look back to me.
There’s something better coming.
When taught correctly, “Leave it” isn’t about denial.
It’s about trust.
Your dog learns that letting go doesn’t mean losing out.
It means something good follows.
🚫 Why “Leave It” Matters More Than “Drop It”
“Drop it” happens after something is already in your dog’s mouth.
“Leave it” works before danger happens.
It protects your dog from:
Toxic foods
Dangerous objects
Wildlife encounters
Unsafe distractions
It’s one of the few commands that works even when your dog is off-leash or far ahead of you. That’s why it’s worth teaching slowly and correctly.
🐾 Read on, then take a moment to visit our store before you go. Shop with heart. Every purchase helps feed dogs in need at shelters across the country.
🧩 Step One: Start Where Success Is Easy
Training “Leave it” doesn’t start on a busy sidewalk.
It starts somewhere boring and calm.
Here’s how to begin:
Hold a low-value treat in a closed fist.
Let your dog sniff, lick, and investigate.
Say nothing. Stay still.
The moment your dog pulls their nose away, say “Yes” and give a better treat from your other hand.
Important detail:
The reward never comes from the hand they’re leaving.
The lesson is “ignoring brings better things.”
Repeat this until your dog quickly disengages. That disengagement is the behavior you’re teaching.
🧠 Step Two: Add the Words
Once your dog consistently pulls away, now you add the cue.
Present the closed fist.
Say “Leave it.”
Wait.
When they disengage, mark and reward.
The words come after the behavior is clear. Dogs learn patterns before language.
🧠 TRIVIA CORNER
Question: Why does “Leave it” work best when paired with rewards?
🐶 Step Three: Open the Hand (This Is the Hard Part)
Now we raise the difficulty slightly.
Place the treat in your open palm.
Say “Leave it.”
If your dog goes for it, calmly close your hand.
Try again.
The moment they look away or hesitate, reward from the other hand.
This teaches impulse control, not fear.
No yelling.
No slapping hands.
Just consistency.
🚶 Step Four: Take It to the Floor
Once your dog succeeds with your hand, move the treat to the floor.
Cover it with your foot if needed.
Say “Leave it.”
Wait.
Reward disengagement generously.
This step is where real-life skills begin to form.
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🌎 Step Five: Real-World Practice
Now you carefully apply the skill outside.
Practice with:
Sticks
Leaves
Food wrappers
Toys
Always start easy.
Never test “Leave it” for the first time with something dangerous.
Training is about preparation, not gambling.
“Training isn’t about control. It’s about communication.”
🛑 Common Mistakes That Slow Progress
Let’s save you some frustration.
Avoid these:
Repeating “Leave it” over and over
Pulling items away dramatically
Punishing curiosity
Expecting instant perfection
“Leave it” is a thinking skill.
Thinking takes practice.
🤍 Why This Command Builds Confidence, Not Fear
When taught gently, “Leave it” teaches your dog:
Self-control
Trust in your guidance
Emotional regulation
That listening leads to good outcomes
It doesn’t shut them down.
It empowers them.
That confidence shows up in other areas too, walks, greetings, training, and everyday life.
🧠 What If My Dog Ignores Me?
That’s not disobedience.
It’s feedback.
It usually means:
The distraction is too hard
The reward isn’t valuable enough
The environment moved too fast
Go back a step.
Lower the difficulty.
Rebuild success.
Progress isn’t linear. And that’s okay.
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🏷️ A Quiet Safety Layer Most People Forget
“Leave it” protects your dog in the moment.
Identification protects them if something unexpected still happens.
Doors open.
Leashes slip.
Moments get chaotic.
That’s why a personalized dog name tag is one of the simplest safety tools you can add.
✔️ Easy to read
✔️ Lightweight and comfortable
✔️ Helps your dog get home faster if they wander
Training prepares. ID protects. Both matter.
Know someone walking their own rescue journey right now? Share this newsletter with them. Sometimes the most meaningful support is simply knowing you’re not alone.
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🌱 One Last Thought Before You Go
“Leave it” isn’t about control.
It’s about teaching your dog to pause, trust, and choose safety even when you’re not right there.
That’s a life skill.
You don’t need perfection today.
You just need practice.
And every calm repetition builds a dog who can navigate the world more safely.
You’re doing the work that matters.
Wags & gratitude,
Mark
USA Dog Owners Association
Because every dog deserves to feel their best. And so do you. 🐾
💌 P.S.
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