Module 5: Leave It

Possibly the most useful cue you'll ever teach. Saves lives around dropped pills, chicken bones, and squirrels.

5 min read Beginner
Course progress0%

Closed-fist stage

Treat in closed fist. Dog sniffs, licks, paws. The instant they back off — mark, reward from the OTHER hand.

Open-hand stage

Treat in open palm at chest height. Same rule. Cover up if they lunge.

Floor stage

Treat on the floor, your foot ready to cover. Dog ignores 1 sec → reward. Build to 10 sec.

Key takeaways

  • Reward from the OTHER hand
  • Closed → open → floor
  • Build seconds slowly

Lesson checklist

Action items to put this module into practice.

  • 20 closed-fist reps
  • 20 open-hand reps
  • 10 floor reps
  • Test outdoors with a leaf