Why “Leave It” Should Be an Emergency Command for Your Dog

When most people think of emergency commands for dogs, the usual suspects come to mind: “Come,” “Stay,” and perhaps “Drop it.” While these are all essential, there’s one command that often gets overlooked as a life-saving skill: “Leave it.”

You may think of “Leave it” as just a polite way to stop your dog from grabbing food off the counter or chewing on your shoes. But in the real world, “Leave it” can be the difference between safety and serious danger. Here’s why this command deserves a permanent spot in your emergency toolkit.

1. It Can Prevent Poisoning

Dogs explore the world with their mouths, and unfortunately, not everything they sniff out is safe. Think about:

• A piece of chocolate dropped on the sidewalk

• Antifreeze leaking from a car (which smells sweet but is deadly)

• Rat poison pellets in the park

• Mushrooms that pop up in your backyard after rain

If your dog doesn’t know how to “Leave it” immediately and reliably, their curiosity could turn into an emergency vet visit—or worse.

2. It Stops Dangerous Interactions

Sometimes “Leave it” isn’t about food—it’s about conflict avoidance. Maybe your dog sees:

• A dead animal or bones on the trail

• A broken glass bottle

• Another dog with a tense body posture

• A snake sunning itself on a rock

Teaching your dog to disengage instantly when you say “Leave it” can prevent fights, injuries, or bites (to or from your dog).

3. It's a Preemptive Command—Not Reactive

Unlike “Drop it,” which often comes after your dog has something dangerous in their mouth, “Leave it” is all about prevention. It tells your dog:

“Don’t even think about touching that.”

In an emergency situation, seconds matter. A strong “Leave it” can stop an action before it starts—saving you time and potentially saving your dog’s life.

4. It Builds Impulse Control

At its core, “Leave it” teaches self-control. That impulse control extends into many other areas of your dog’s life:

• Not bolting through open doors

• Not jumping on strangers

• Not reacting aggressively to triggers

• Not chasing wildlife or traffic

Dogs that learn to pause and make good decisions are safer, calmer, and more predictable in emergencies.

5. It Works Beyond Treats and Toys

A lot of people only train “Leave it” with treats or toys, but its true value is in real-world application. With consistent, high-stakes training, you can teach your dog to “Leave it”:

• In high-distraction environments

• Around wildlife or other animals

• When overstimulated or scared

• Even when you’re not right next to them

A well-practiced “Leave it” becomes a verbal barrier between your dog and danger.

How to Make “Leave It” an Emergency Command

To level up your dog’s “Leave it” command, try this:

• Practice daily in a variety of situations (indoors, on walks, around distractions)

• Reward heavily for success, especially in high-stakes moments

• Use escalating difficulty—start with easy items, then work up to more tempting or dangerous things (safely and with supervision)

• Keep your tone firm, clear, and consistent

• Make it fun, training should build confidence, not fear

“Leave it” isn’t just a convenience—it’s a critical safety command. When trained properly, it can prevent poisoning, injuries, fights, and dangerous mistakes in a split second.

If your dog only masters a handful of commands, make sure “Leave it” is one of them. One day, it might just save their life.

Have you ever used “Leave it” in an emergency situation with your dog? Share your experience in the comments below!