DennasMom
Well-Known Member
I use "leave it" for interacting with "bad" dogs, too... That way you're telling your dog what you WANT him to do... walk away. But, I agree, you have to get that command in EARLY to get it to sink in and have an effect.
And, as Hector's videos point out - sometimes you just need a signal that can break through the dog's focus - either a whistle (which is VERY recognizable) or a LOUD voice (note in Hector's middle video... the quieter male voice did NOT get through to Hector, but Linda's did )
I would say a muzzle would also be a good tool to have on hand - that will give you more confidence to put your dog in challenging situations so you can proof out the "leave it" when it pertains to other dogs or items that really take his focus away from you.
And, as Hector's videos point out - sometimes you just need a signal that can break through the dog's focus - either a whistle (which is VERY recognizable) or a LOUD voice (note in Hector's middle video... the quieter male voice did NOT get through to Hector, but Linda's did )
I would say a muzzle would also be a good tool to have on hand - that will give you more confidence to put your dog in challenging situations so you can proof out the "leave it" when it pertains to other dogs or items that really take his focus away from you.