Wait & Leave It

The "Wait" command is about teaching patience and control, especially in "thresholds" like doors, gates or before mealtime.

• 1. Choose Your Spot: Start at a door or before mealtime, places where your dog is naturally excited.
• 2. Introduce the Command: Say “Wait,” wave your hand in front of your dog from left to right, open the door an inch. As soon as your dog looks away from the door, click or say, “Yes!” and reward treat​​.
• 3. Incremental Progress: Gradually open the door a bit more each time, increasing how long your dog waits, and escalating the excitement level of things on the other side.
• 4. "Release" Command: Once your dog is able to wait with the door open (without moving through) or with a bowl of food (without eating), give your dog a release command (like "okay!" or "free!"), guide your dog to the object waited for (moving through a door or eating their food), and reward with praise and treat.
• 5. Reward and Repeat: Reward your dog when they wait patiently, and repeat these steps until your dog can wait with the door fully open or waiting until

The "Leave It" command helps in situations where your dog may be tempted by food on the ground or other enticing items...

• 1. Begin with a treat in your hand and close your fist around it. Make sure your dog is aware of the treat.
• 2. When your dog has lost some attention or excitement, open your hand to visually reveal the treat and say “Leave It” one time clearly and firmly. If your dog approaches the treat, close your hand and do not reward.
• 3. Wait a bit and repeat the exercise. If your dog will remain calm and not lunge for the treat in your open hand, reward them with a different treat and praise.
• 4. Repeat the "Leave It" command in various scenarios, making it a part of your daily training routine.

Safety first, then teamwork.

• These exercises in patience and control are not just about obedience; they are about cultivating a respectful and understanding relationship between you and your dog. By mastering these commands, you're not only ensuring a well-behaved pup but also a safer and happier environment for both of you.

Up next: Stay and Come

• Keep up your daily practice of all exercises - tomorrow, we'll work on "Stay" and revisit recall - or, "Come!"