Training a Dog to Leave Food Alone

Video Transcript

"Place treat a foot and a half from the dog's nose. This distance is based on the size of your dog, but I want you to think of this in general for the distance that I want the dog to hold before you release them to actually eat the treat, if it's acceptable for them to eat. So to illustrate, down on one knee, bait the dog, lightly hold the collar and command "leave it." I will then place the treat in an area where they can see it. I want them at this point to be calm until they hear a release from me, after I've determined that it's okay for them to eat the food. If I have determined that this is something toxic that I don't want them to eat, I will not release them. So, it's a good way to think of. There's going to be times where it's something they can eat and I will release them. But, if it's not, I want them to learn to hold and be still."