In this video, Suzanne demonstrates how to teach the “Leave It – Take It” game, a critical safety cue for food-loving dogs. This skill helps protect them from dangerous situations, whether it’s a turkey carcass, wildlife, or anything they shouldn’t touch.

Step 1: Start with Hand-Held Food
Hold a high-value treat in a closed fist at your dog’s nose. Say “Leave it” and wait silently until your dog withdraws their head. Immediately reward with a lower-value treat from your other pocket, paired with “Take it.”

Step 2: Mark the Right Behavior
Each time your dog moves their head away, mark the behavior with a “Yes!” and give the “Take it” reward. Consistency helps them learn that ignoring temptation leads to a reward.

Step 3: Progress to Open Hand
Once reliable, repeat the exercise with an open palm near their face. Continue rewarding with a different treat when they successfully resist.

Step 4: Raise the Challenge
Mimic counter-surfing by holding your hand higher, as if it were food on the counter. Reward only when your dog ignores it and stays calm.

Step 5: Practice at Floor Level
Finally, move the temptation to the floor—the hardest test for most dogs. Wait for your dog to ignore it and make eye contact with you before rewarding.