How to Teach Your Dog Leave It: The French Fry Test
The final exam for the first dog obedience class we ever took was brutal.
The instructor, now a mentor and dear friend, tortured the class. On his way in, he’d picked up multiple servings of piping hot, fragrant, delicious french fries. He scattered them across the floor and told us to walk our dogs straight through temptation.
Every single dog/handler team did it. Why? Because he’d taught us all how to play the Take It / Leave It game with our dogs.
By the way, this wasn’t any specialized, competition-prep class. This was a standard dog obedience class at the local park district. Every dog should know Take It / Leave It—it’s a cue that can save your dog’s life, or at least spare you from cleaning up the mess after they eat something they shouldn’t!
How To Play "Take It / Leave It"
This is one of the few training games where you can actually sit in a comfortable chair! You don’t need anything but some high-value treats and your dog.
Step 1: The "Green Light" (Take It!)
Grab a handful or bowl of treats and call your dog over. Reach in, hold out a treat, and give your dog five treats—one at a time—saying “Take it!” for each treat.
You’re teaching your dog that hearing “Take it!” means they have full permission to scarf down whatever is on offer.
Pro Tip (Dog Math): Dog math dictates that your best friend feels like they’re getting way more treats if you hand them over one by one. Putting five treats in your open palm all at once only counts as "One" in dog math!
Step 2: The "Red Light" (Leave It!)
Reach back into your treats just as before, but turn your hand into a closed fist so the treat is covered. Say “Leave It!”
Your dog will probably snuffle at your hand, or maybe even nibble or paw at it. Just stay completely still and wait for them to back off. The second they pause or back away:
- Say “Take It!” and
- Give them a completely different reward treat from the other hand.
Crucial rule: The dog never gets the original “Leave It!” treat. It goes back into your bowl or pocket.
Next Steps & Leveling Up
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Uncover the Treat: When your dog starts recognizing “Leave It!” as the cue to back off, leave the treat visible in an open palm. If they dive in to grab it, simply close your hand around it. Try your best not to say “No!” or “Uh-uh!”—we want the dog to make a thoughtful, conscious choice to turn away.
- Mix It Up: Randomize the number of “Take It!” treats before and after trying a “Leave It!”
- Add Movement: Once your dog is acing this while you’re seated, stand up and get the game in motion!
- Drop It On the Floor: When you’re confident in their understanding, try dropping treats onto the floor. Always give the cue before dropping the treat, and stay close enough to cover a “Leave It!” treat with your foot or hand if your dog makes a break for it.
Take It On The Road
You don’t have to walk through french fries to put your dog to the test. Every daily walk is full of great micro-training opportunities. Just make sure you’re prepared with extra high-value rewards—like freeze-dried chicken hearts—to pay your dog well for making great decisions!