How I Teach "Leave It" by Playing the Zen Game π§π½ββοΈWe always teach "leave it" in our Puppy Perfect Start so our clients puppies can practice impulse control early. In this game, they are learning that calm behaviour is actually more rewarding than snatching or demanding for the food. I also love this game for calming an excitable dog in different situations As always, we move at the puppy's pace to avoid frustration , and only move on to the next level when they are easily disengaging from our hand. It's key that the reward comes from the other hand, not the one they are being asked to leave. Here are some troubleshooting tips while teaching this game : π§π½ββοΈYour dog isn't leaving the food - If you have given them time & they are having trouble disengaging from your hand, make the level easier by a) going back a level or lifting your hand higher b) switching to a low value food in your hand like kibble, rewarding with a higher value food like liver π§π½ββοΈ Your dog isn't going for the food in your hand - this is a good thing! If you've shown them it is there & they are being zen, mark and reward from your other hand. Then you can move onto the next level ! π§π½ββοΈ They are not generalizing "leave it" to other things - this takes practice. Once you have used your verbal cue in this game, I would start with a simple item that is easy for them to leave, with your dog on leash 2-5 feet away. Say your "leave it" cue when they look at it, mark and reward when they look at you. I will be posting another reel with Ziggy on walking past a food container on the floor. π§π½ββοΈ Your dog is getting frustrated, stressed or disinterested - we want our dogs to enjoy the training, so take a break and incorporate some easy wins when you try again. Keep sessions short & sweet to boost confidence in training. Also, how cute is Buck with his little scoots away from the food & him trying so hard to be the best boy π₯°βDid you enj