Teaching your Dog/Puppy "No" and "Leave it." - Dog Training

Introduction

We all know that sometimes our pups do things we do not want them to do. Some of us have puppies that we have to teach not to eat toxic things or non-food items; and some of us have adopted shelter dogs who we must teach the same. But how do we really get them to stop doing that unwanted behavior? This blog teaches you how to use the “No” command with your dog; and then how to transfer the “No” command to saying “Leave it,” using two training techniques. 

 So, your dog or puppy has a problem with picking up non-food items off of the ground. You constantly tell them “Don’t do that,” and “No,” but they continue to pick these things up. What should you do? Well, you are going to need plenty of treats, patience, and consistency in getting your dog to understand the “No” command.

Teaching “No.”

Have your dog sit about one foot away from you. There are two hands in dog training, which is your distribution hand, and your supply hand. Your distribution hand is primarily used to give your dog treats. And your supply hand is primarily used to hold extra treats for your dog. If you need more space, try investing in a treat pouch or a case that you can easily access treats.

Take your treat and place it at eye-level with your dog. When they go to eat the treat, use the word “No,” to indicate unwanted behavior, that it is not yet time for your pet to eat the treat. Close your palm immediately after saying “No,” and do not reward your dog. Throughout this training activity, you want to make sure that you are not rewarding unwanted behavior, you do not want to confuse your dog and teach them the wrong thing.

If your dog starts to lick your hand, do not pull your palm away. This will deter your dog from the initial activity and begin a new one. Repeat the word “No.” Your pet should eventually realize that they will not get rewarded for their behavior and stop licking or trying to get the treat. Dogs are masters of satisfaction; they love to make people happy, but do not let them trick you into rewarding them for being “cute” and not for doing what you want them to do. 

You can introduce another command that I like to use with my dogs, which is “Calm down.” This works when they get overwhelmed about the treat. Once your dog is calm, you can reward them for being calm. This is the start to the transition from saying “No” to saying “Leave it.” When your dog is calm and has been rewarded. Repeat the training technique over and over. This should be an everyday activity between you and your dog, which will build a stronger bond. Stronger bonds lead to more trick and obedience learning. They are also more likely to listen to your commands with the stronger the bond is. 

Teaching “Leave it.”

If your dog is a master, and has already learned the word “No,” you can enhance this activity by setting a treat at a distance away from your pet, using the word “Leave it” to stop them from going after the treat. Your dog should know to wait, so you can back away from them, and put a treat down on the ground; you could even use a cup of food for this activity or a toy, if your dog is motivated enough by toys. 

To make this more challenging, move the treat closer to your dog, repeating “Leave it” as they try to go after the treat. Your dog must know that they are not going to get treats unless they perform the task that is wanted. You are the leader in the training session! Believe in your dog and they will believe in themselves. Dogs are more susceptible to negative emotions; always use a positive tone when training them. They think about their problems just as us humans do. 

Thank you for reading! I wish you luck with your pup!

Jasmine Woodings 

She/Her/Theirs

English Composition, Psychology B.A.

McMillan, B. (n.d.). “How to teach your dog the “no” command…” Canine Minded. https://canineminded.com/teach-dog-command-2/

MasterClass. (n.d.). “Brandon Mcmillan’s guide to teaching dogs the “no” command.” Master Class. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/brandon-mcmillans-guide-to-teaching-dogs-the-no-command