To teach your dog or puppy the "leave it" command is to teach it boundaries. A dog that can differentiate appropriate property from inappropriate property is a dog that’s safer since many of the things we interact with are just too dangerous for dogs. Here’s how to teach your dog this command.

1. Start with a leash. Put a leash on the dog and place some tempting food or an enticing toy on the floor nearby. As soon as the dog moves toward the food or toy, tell it to "leave it," and pull him back with the leash. When the dog stops moving after the item, verbally reward it for being a good dog.

2. Use a distraction. When you catch your dog approaching something that it shouldn’t, you can alternatively spray it with water from a spray bottle, or loudly shake a can of small items (such as pebbles or coins) while issuing the leave it command. Both actions will make the dog lose interest in an item that it shouldn’t access and step back or run away from it.

With either method, consistency is key to making your dog (1) understand what the leave it command means and (2) follow the command when it’s given.