Labrador Training: Teaching Your Lab The “Leave It” Command

Training your Labrador Retriever to “leave it” is a must. The breed’s retrieving instincts sometimes kick in and result in inappropriate chewing, eating and all kinds of things. The command can also help stop your dog eating something that’s toxic or simply inedible.

All that’s necessary to teach the “leave it” command is treats and if you’re using one, a clicker. Try to keep the sessions at 5 to 10 minutes each to avoid boredom and losing focus.

“Leave it” command steps

There are a few steps to teaching the “leave it” command:

• Place a treat in one of your hands while your Lab is watching.


• Maintain your hand open so that the treat is visible.


• Say “leave it” and close your hand as soon as your dog tries to get the treat.


• After your Lab has resisted for a reasonable time give praise and the treat. Alternatively, you can keep a different treat in your other hand to give as a reward.


• If your puppy tries to get the treat anyway, wait until he or she is calm and retracts, and then give a different reward. If you’re using a clicker, this would also be the appropriate time to click.


• Avoid letting your dog get the treat, as this will only defeat the purpose of teaching the command. A couple of slips won’t affect the progress in training, but as with all the other commands, consistency is the key to success. If you’re not consistent, it is going to be difficult for your Lab puppy to learn what “leave it” means and training will take longer.


• Once your Labrador gets the hang of the command, it’s time to increase the time he or she has to wait. Do this by slowly adding a few seconds until your dog “leaves it” for minutes at a time.

Practice  with your Lab from different distances

It’s a good idea to practice the command with your Labrador puppy at different distances so that he or she obeys no matter how far or how close you are. Begin by placing a treat about 2 ft. away from your dog and say “leave it.” Keep your hand near the treat in case your puppy tries to get it. Give a reward (not the same treat you’re using for practice) and some praise to reinforce desirable behavior. Move the treat around (closer, to the side, farther away, etc.) a couple of times throughout the session.

Next, toss a treat near your dog, take about 2 steps back and say “leave it.” Keep a close eye on your puppy, as you might have to cover the treat with your foot if he or she tries to get it. Slowly increase the distance between you and the treat until your Lab obeys from across the room or further if you’d like.

Vary the objects for your Lab

Using treats to teach “leave it” is only required in the beginning. When your Lab obeys the command confidently, you can start substituting the treats with other objects such as toys, food, sticks, etc. This will ensure that your Labrador understands that the “leave it” command applies to everything.

“If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.” – Woodrow Wilson

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