First and foremost, NEVER get violent with your dog under any circumstances. This trick requires
training utilizing an "avoidance" method, but if you take it beyond reason, you are wrong!
"Don't Touch", or "Leave It" as it is sometimes referred, is a great trick to show to your friends, but it is also
a handy command for when you catch your dog messing with something you don't want him to mess with! (I.E. the trash,
your shoes, another dog's poo on your daily walk, etc.)
STEP 1. Place a treat in front of your dog and command "Don't Touch". It is now YOUR job to prevent him from getting the treat.
STEP 2. When your dog goes for the treat give him a slight knock on the bridge of his nose and repeat
the command. (If he gets the treat before you allow him then the training has failed. You must prevent him from
snatching it up before you command it.)
STEP 3. ONLY when your dog is leaving the treat alone by his OWN free will can you allow him
to have it. You should be able to remove your hand from the area of his face without him lunging forward. When this is
possible, give the command "Okay, take it!" and allow him to have the treat. (In the beginning he might need coaxing
because you were initially trying to keep him away from it and he will be confused). Remember to praise so he makes the connection!
STEP 4. When you begin training for this command, do not make your dog wait for more than
2-3 seconds before you reward him. If you wait too long, your dog, who is unfamiliar with the command, won't know
what you're waiting for and will keep trying or give up all together. You have a better chance at success if you
reward him right away so he can compute it. That being said, after he becomes confident with this command, you
can definitely extend the amount of time you have him wait for the reward.
** Sometimes this trick creates a funny quirk in dogs. They want the treat so badly that they must find
ways to ignore it because they know they can't have it. I have seen dogs turn their entire body away from
the treat so that it is no longer there teasing them. LOL!
