How to teach 'leave it'- without intimidation

[@kikopup]

sorry I couldnt convince you! This video actually won the Association of Pet Dog Trainers 2008 Video Contest.

[@barlin07]

I'm so glad I used this to teach my dog leave it! The other day I had Rosie at work with me at a nursing home and she found something on the floor. I gave the command and she stopped mid-lick. She had found a behavior medication on the floor that a patient had hidden!!

[@ClickerPets]

Having a leave it taught without intimidation is the strongest leave it that you can possibly teach. A good leave it can be a lifesaver. Once my sister was eating some dark chocolate covered pomegranates and accidentally dropped one on the floor, but before she could grab it, Tessa had gotten it. All my sister had to do was say "leave it" and Tessa dropped it instantly. I'm so happy to know of such a wonderful method like clicker training that is safe and reliable. Thanks, Emily! :)

[@kikopup]

i don't think its racist at all. My dog is from Mexico. I eat a lot of Tortillas because I live on the mexican border. Chihuahuas are a breed that is from Mexico?

[@kyaracresci5294]

You're the only dog training channel I watch! I find your techniques most useful and effective. I'm planning on getting a border collie and I want to be more than prepared to when the moment comes that I actually get one.

[@higgsfieldinthefield9916]

I really like your style, I taught my dog Gutchi rather than trained her too, she came to me at eight weeks old and has never had any negative reinforcement, consequently you get a happy, confident dog who thinks for themselves, a choser rather than a follower just worried they are going to do the wrong thing and piss their human off. I think of myself as Gutchi's pet monkey on a string rather than the boss in our relationship. Thank you for you'r great posts, You really understand how dogs think.

[@deezleDeeDee]

Yes! Reactive is the perfect word to describe him. He prefers to not get into trouble or hurt anyone but he is always worried about his safety. Thanks so much for your message, I'm going to check out these books!

[@pawprintedheart]

Yes! I love the results you can get with a positively trained leave it. And I'm so glad you did a video on it. It's one of the easiest things to train and it strengthens so many behaviors. I also love the second half with the dog on leash. When I taught leave it I did it all off leash, but after some rather tempting stuff being left on our walks it was back to the drawing board. This offers me a nice idea on how to help train for those situations. Thank you!

[@kikopup]

Thanks! I love constructive criticism! Basically in this exercise the leash is just preventing max from getting the goodies, i dont want him in heel position or anything. (however that would be an excellent exercise to do to proof heelwork!) I want him to learn leave it from any location around the distraction, it doesn't matter where he is in relation to me.

[@Sharpie600rr]

Some of the best dog training tips I've ever seen, I've got a husky who is a great dog, he's learned everything I've taught him but leaving things alone especially food is difficult, I'm looking forward to trying these techniques out.

[@hunkymonkeykaine]

I agree Jesse and Heather with the comment made from 4:01-4:17. There was this story I heard about a Mom that would always yell at her daughter to sit down in the chair. She yelled over and over again, until she finally came over and forced the girl to sit. She said, "There, now you are sitting!" and the daugther smiled and replied, "Yes mother, but I'm standing on the inside." Emily, you are brilliant and so is your dog training:). Ashley & Kaine

[@kikopup]

Its the same in the US. My belief is that europe is ahead of us! :) On the show the Dog Whisperer in N. America I recall the 'trainer' batted a very similar looking chihuahua to Max away from a bone with his tool of choice for that particular job- a broom. The dog was biting his shoes....

[@TeamPawformance]

We actually used this method to teach Jedi "leave it". It's great that you have a video teaching others... I have to say it is an absolutely fantastic method and it works! Jedi stole Ahsoka's chicken wing on her first day with us (bad me for getting distracted and not watching and seeing that she had dropped it!). Jedi had the wing in his mouth - I told him "leave it" and he spat it out!!! Woooh! Now he understands 'leave it' in the context of Ahsoka's food bowl, too.

[@kikopup]

I am totally going to use that story when I explain things now :) (reminds me of being a kid too! I think everyone can relate to that feeling)

[@tophrules101]

Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!!! This has helped me and my dog so much. When I Look at other tutorials, they only teach you the basics but you get into the details. Thanks once again!

[@dianedodson296]

This is a good video. I wish I had seen this prior to teach my dog Leave It. Never too late to try again. Thank you.

[@Kettle17]

Haven't had a dog for a while because I didn't know how to train them and all my friends pets have so many behavioral problems. But after watching your videos I think I might be getting a puppy soon and definitely naming him or her "Kiko". Your videos are amazing keep up the goodwork.

[@kikopup]

Hehe. Yes. They actually get to eat off of human plates, and Im setting it down where we usually do training... I would normally leave my dinner on the table, this is a bit mean. Its quite an amazing feat for Kiko who was a terrible resource guarder (very protective of food, quite frightening to see in action!).

[@toxicpuree]

thank you, this is very helpful. we just got a 6 month old pup who wasn't taught anything by the previous family, they just let him outside. he's doing very well in only a few days but I was having problems with this and biting in particular =]

[@MultiAjitha]

i really like your channel. it really helps. thank you

[@montee777]

thank you for not letting anyone deter you from providing your great video's. I just got a German Shepherd puppy and i really love and use your methods a lot. You clearly have the dogs best interests at heart and do an excellent job. I wish I had you near by because I think this puppy is going to be a challenge. I've wanted a German Shepherd since i was a little girl and finally got one. But I had no idea how busy I would be just trying to ensure that she learns good positive behavior.God bless

[@KALfilms]

ur a genius! wow, I can't wait to try all of ur tips, I'm getting a german shepherd and I want him to be really trained. Thanks for making this channel, now I don't have to buy books and all that crap.

[@m2kemp]

This was really good. Different than how most people teach it. Thank you.

[@ASMinor]

In my opinion, this is a vital skill for any puppy or dog to have. Not only is it for safety (stop them from eating things, or chasing things), but it also helps to build impulse control. And it's so versatile, to help with many different behavioral issues. ❤️💕

[@relaxmydog]

Excellent vlog - thanks so much for sharing this!

[@kikopup]

Thanks 🙏

[@csc-photo]

@elleonhighheels The clicker is only used to "mark" the behavior we want at a specific point in time. It is not used as a remote control of sorts, and the dog does not rely on the clicker to do the behavior. Notice that "click" only happens on or very shortly after the behavior is offered by the dog.

[@Drazzil101]

Brilliant video, I could not believe how quickly Kaiya got it, she previously almost ate my pocket for treats.

[@hunkymonkeykaine]

AMAZING and so entertaining:)! 5 STARS! I love that Kiko and Splash! leave the food while you leave the room. I especially like that they leave the plate on the floor, OFF LEASH, at the end and they are happy to do so. I also like that you don't say "leave it" then treat from the food/toy/item they were suppossed to leave. To me, that is confusing and I would use "wait" for the former. The tortilla part was cute and it's awesome that you showed a newbie (sweet Max) learning leave it.

[@lassy222]

I love that he steps on it!

[@jennifermcconochie2568]

I love your videos. Clear, concise. My dog trainers recommend your videos for further reinforcement after lessons. Thank you so much!

[@peruru84]

I really enjoyed watching your video. I'd never heard of calming signals before, and it's nice to see positive reinforcement working better than negative reinforcement.

[@joeannmaillo]

That is incredible! I def have to try this one cause I have a little monster who's the worst at taking treats cause she always ends up taking a finger or too. You're awesome! Thanks for the tutorial

[@Lynxika]

Thank you for all your videos! I'm planning on getting a new (older) dog and I've watched tons of training videos and gone through a few books. But Alot of them tell you to teach "No" and "Aach!" Which sounds kinda crazy to me BECAUSE I don't want to intimadate or scare my new dog that's still a little unsure about me anyway! YOUR approch is more safe and rewording for both of us, and by following your instructions I know that every lesson time will strenthen our bond. No worries now, Thanks! :)

[@deezleDeeDee]

so much for constructive criticism! hehhe! You totally deserved to win. Your videos are helping me so very much!

[@VTECsqznN2O]

haha, i feel like im watching myself. I love your videos. I'd make my own if i had time. People constantly comment about how my dogs are so "attentive" and "bonded" with me even around distractions. PR is "THE" way to go bottom line. I really hope more people catch on to this.

[@kikopup]

As for the treat bag, when I train a new behavior that the dog has never done before, I use treats on a one to one ratio. One reward for one behavior. When I move on to a variable schedule the treat bag disappears. I kind of like the cue of the bag being 'we are learning something new' treats are available, you have to figure out how to get them. I also sit with a plate of food. My chihuahua can tell if I have treats in my pocket or not, so I have to proof with absolutely no treats on me

[@JustJesse197]

Excellent video, 5*****!! I love how you taught "leave it", and the dogs are so happy doing it! From 4:01-4:17, that is so true, I couldn't have said it better myself, and many people don't understand it. Your videos are always so interesting ;) ~Heather and Jesse~

[@virtualdogs]

Well done! This approach is very constructive. This video is much appreciated

[@Erlendurh]

wow this is great :-) I need to teach my puppy that

[@Terranota]

Really a good job. Sometimes it's dificult to think a way to teach something using only positive reinforcement. Until someone shows you how Thanks

[@markmccabek9]

Well done bit of video of some very nice training. Great of you to take the time to make this and share it! Mark McCabe

[@coffeeroastergaming]

Great my puppy of 12 weeks did it this morning for the first time :) Thanks a lot for all your help :)

[@kaysharogers32]

I love these early videos

[@dogert66]

They're not great for most humans either, but we don't suffer from their consumption. Like people, some dogs are completely lactose intolerant while some have a large tolerance. Cheese is extremely smelly and therefore makes an excellent treat, and since dogs have weak taste buds, and excellent smell, I'm guessing this is why kikopup chooses it. Obviously if she or another trainer notices a bad reaction such as gas etc she/they would choose a different treat.

[@SalsaTiger83]

@goldsmithstudent you can calculate what your dog needs. Often, Dog food comes with a formula for that. Substract at least a quarter from that, and your dog doesn't get fatter. Fill the food for the day into a cup or whatever, then always take meals from that. You can even train with this food now, because a dog that is loosing weight or not gaining fat is almost always hungry...

[@Suzzie526]

We've just gotten past the first part of this video today.... one of my dogs was super quick to catch on, by the end of the first session, he was looking at me instead of my hand :D one of the other ones, though... well it's going to take a few more sessions ;) You've really inspired me to switch to clicker training!

[@aaurantia]

Really, really appreciate your philosophy and techniques -- there are so many trainers out there that simply don't "get it". Lucky pups that come your way! Have you ever considered using a word as an indicator instead of a clicker? :)

[@breakgive]

Excellent. I will get on that with my puppy right away.

[@tvt385]

In one of her other videos, she mentions that her treats are only the size of the head of a pin. I'm using her technique right now on a dog I just got 2 days ago and I'm already seeing improvement. What I did was get the treat he likes then crush it into smaller pieces so after the training is over, he's only eaten about 3-4 actual treats.

[@Jdgr564]

This is brilliant! Thank you so so much! I'd also like to know what treats you use, please

[@ctwriter]

This is amazing! I love your dogs, and you are a brilliant and kind trainer. At first I thought Kiko was an Italian Greyhound 'cause she's so much thinner and taller than my chihuahua. I also have an IG/rat terrier mix. I'm not sure if my dogs are too old to learn this, they're 9 and 10. The IG isn't that interested in food, so maybe. The chihuahua tries to ensure the IG never gets any food, or anything for that matter, so I think she'll be tough. Thanks for sharing your great videos!

[@TmHudsonArt]

@CeliahProductions You can use verbal markers as well. I use "Yesss" in place of the clicker a lot. My dogs work for both the clicker and "Yess". In fact, my red BC works for a little high pitched boo sound that I make with my mouth instead of the clicker. My merle BC works for the clicker...but they still both know what each others sound means...and, as I said, they both work for "Yesss". Intimidation isn't using verbals full stop, it's using verbals to suppress behaviour.

[@KittyMingChee]

You are amazing. Thank you so much for making and sharing these videos!

[@anglje]

I have a couple of questions; I have a two month old Chihuahua and she's always hyper and active like a normal baby pup, but she has a couple of things I hate. 1 How can I train her to do her necessities in a news paper and not outside the news paper? 2 How can I stop her from biting me when ever I either pick her up, or try to pet her? 3 What does it means when she has one paw up and off the floor? 4 Finally, how can I teach her to walk being leashed?

[@ambyt28]

that 'leave it' trick is amazing

[@itsstillfriday]

The prettiest dog training lady on the internet, by far....... :-) swoon!!

[@tattietumshie]

I'm goinfg to give this a try with my new pup. I have always used the Ah! Ah! method of teaching leave it. As a result, I could never trust my dogs toleave food when I wasn't there (I had a collie who was a world class counter surfer when no one was there!) I'm curious to know if this will result in a better behaved dog. Thanks for posting this. I'm new to clicker training, but so far I've had impressive results!

[@macdasi]

Very good video ! Q , does the dog can learn not to eat staff from the ground while you walking with him ? (without you saying "leave it") I want my dog to be able to decide not to eat something from the flower when I'm not next to him

[@FreyjaAnd]

I am trying to decide if the 'leave it' command or the positive interrupter is more appropriate for stopping a dog from chasing cats in the house. Anyone?

[@PoloWolf47]

Train both

[@possums1010]

Great video and info - thanks! [Esp. love the two dogs at the beginning - I can hear them thinking "Why did she do that,what is she doing? Is she coming back soon to explain? IS THIS A TEST?"

[@murwill1]

I notice that you always treat the release? isn't the release the reward? you are wonderful i wish i could take a class with you

[@Snowlovesuforever]

5:28 Pup steps on the bagel XD

[@Eclectusmomma]

Just finished watching the rest of the video, and I see you do start offering the reward from your hand. What makes you decide to offer the treat from your hand vs on the floor?

[@SalsaTiger83]

@macdasi it's a lot of hard work. What basically happens is that "leave it" has to become the default behaviour, so after mastering the steps of the video, you begin training outside, first with the cue, then try it sometime without, but be prepared to stop him. It is important that the dog does not get "stuff from the ground" ever. From endless repetition alone, your dog will "leave it" by default.

[@commentman7446]

Your dogs are adorable

[@TheRealBuffaloChip]

FANTASTIC explanation!! I'm a subscriber! You explain and demonstrate really well!

[@SalsaTiger83]

@MrBowie55 kikopup says the dog chooses her over the food. That's what happens at first when training this. Later however, the dog does not choose, he simply does what he always does to achieve success, eventually. That's why they will seem to "choose" to leave almost everything. also the chihuahua in the video is still using his concentration for this behaviour, while the other dog relaxes.

[@kaisenji]

What an excellent video! Too bad clickers don't work on cats. :) I have also sleep clicker training used on horses with some success.

[@DogplayBDA]

most people that training via this method work on a deduction system, you measure out the dogs allowance of food and remove from it what you would use for training so the dog is not going to over eat. also the ideal average training session with clicker training is 2-3 minutes so much less food would be consumed than you think, the idea training session is shorter than the total length of the video. I would also use a low fat treats such as chicken.

[@dragonballZfan3000]

at 2:10 to 2:34 (When you put on captions) I LAUGHED!

[@jencler]

Great! I am going to try this tonight!!

[@kikopup]

@dodgerbuddy7 I use fresh meat, to try and keep it healthy along with cheese and kibble and brand treats that are soft and easy to swallow. do a yt search for 'treats to use' for the video I made on it.

[@JohnChandlerEdmonton]

Very good ideas

[@Daianelfsoares]

Thank you for teaching...i love it and i´ll try!!!

[@HeylaniCreates]

Nice! Our doggies are good at "Leave it", but yours are outright Impressive!! So... would leave it be an OK command to use for a new baby!? We have a rather smart American Esk/Collie mix... he's, almost, too smart!

[@dayknowltonjr]

These videos are so good!!!

[@TheCheekyDarkie]

Your vids are awesome, your voice is perfect for teaching this, love your work :)

[@SalsaTiger83]

Great video... I don't think most people understand what is going on, probably.

[@zurdop]

Thanks soooo much...this video is so well explained...u are my hero...!!!!!!

[@nychelleg]

You're a great trainer! I'm confused on one thing. So when do you add the verbal cue and why not at the beginning simultaneously with the hand cue??

[@JaraAnton]

SUBSCRIBED. I really dig what you're doing!!! Thanks and keep it up!

[@Starcoma]

How long should sessions be. Im litterally just starting to train my dogs. And would like to know what the best session length should be :)

[@murwill1]

how come you give him the treat from the hand that he is mugging? dont' you want him to not have what he is supposed to leave. love the video great job

[@nirakb]

Well done!

[@caroleitao]

Hi, Im from Brazil. I have a 3 months old mini yorkshire. I want to theach by using your videos. How long should I train my dog each day? 1h 2h? And how many times should I repeat the same exercise? Thanks!

[@castulo]

Very interesting video!

[@kikopup]

Gracias. Es la verdad!

[@oliverestrada7141]

I love you Kikopup!!!!!!!!!!!! Mwah mwah choop choooop!!!

[@shaunnaG]

Excellent video

[@kimmobley333]

Great video.

[@HechiAsia]

Un vídeo muy educativo.

[@deezleDeeDee]

Amazing! I am so going to try this with my foster chihuahua. I believe he was abused. He freaks out if anyone shakes hands or hugs and various other signs. The trainers that have volunteered to work with him used alpha/dog whisperer type training which didn't work at all. Now that I've started using clicker training he has started being much less human aggressive which is his only barrier to adoption. Any advice on undoing the damage that's been done? Thanks so much for making this!

[@triqpham]

Excellent video!! Thanks!!

[@jojobee228]

very informative, thank you...

[@Thebeautiful11]

When do you recommend starting training? My puppes are 9 and 10 weeks old. Boy they are husky handfuls!

[@lauraparry2268]

Brilliant videos!

[@nataliawasilewska97]

@y512516 yes it works with all kinds of animals, they first used it to teach dollphins, Clicker training is the best method for all dogs, cats and all sort of animals, If you want to learn more about clicker trianing put "what's clicker training" in the youtube search tab.

[@MishalMooreLover]

Now I don't have a dog but I will probably get one in the future, and if I train my dog with this method and it's successful, what if there's one time when I give the 'leave it' cue and the dog leaves it (for example a plate of human food) but then some seconds later decides to taste the food, what do I do? Just take the food away without saying a word or saying 'leave it' again and hope that the dog will back away?

[@53Playmate]

how many sessions did it take you to train the dog for this command? I am trying it with my 5 month old aussie

[@kikopup]

Thanks! :)