When it comes to Chihuahua training, one of the most important and potentially life-saving commands you can teach is “leave it.” This simple command can protect your dog from harmful objects, toxic foods, or dangerous situations. Given their curious nature and small size, Chihuahuas are particularly vulnerable to hazards that larger dogs might ignore or avoid.
In this post, we’ll explore why the “leave it” command is crucial for your Chihuahua and how to train it using positive reinforcement. Whether you’re a first-time Chihuahua parent or a seasoned dog owner, this guide will help you build better communication, increase safety, and strengthen your bond with your tiny companion.
first some personal insight
You may be like I was when I brought my very first Chihuahua home. I thought that training a dog of any kind was teaching them tricks. My Chihuahua didn’t need to perform any tricks. I wasn’t going to take him on “America’s Got Talent”. So, I thought training for a Chihuahua was really not necessary.
Besides, Chihuahuas can be pretty stubborn, so I thought training would be too difficult. When I realized that teaching them the basics was very necessary,
I just wanted a lap dog that I could travel with. It didn’t take me long to learn that if you want a dog with manners that obeys household rules, you better train him or he will literally take over your life as well as your things.
So, I realized that training was not only necessary but essential. But then, I thought that when trying to train him I had to be perfect. I put a lot of pressure on myself .. and my dog. I had no confidence.
why teaching your chihuahua to "leave it" is essential
Your Chihuahua needs to learn all the basic commands. Those are “sit”, “down”, “stay”, “come”, “heel”, and “leave it”. “Leave it” being the most important. Why?
1. Chihuahuas are curious and bold
Chihuahuas may be small, but their personalities are anything but. These feisty little dogs love to explore their world and investigate interesting smells, sights, and sounds. This curiosity can lead them straight into danger—whether it’s a dropped piece of chocolate, a dead insect, or a street full of traffic.
Teaching your Chihuahua to “leave it” gives you control in critical moments and helps keep them safe.
2. They're Closer to the Ground
Because of their size, Chihuahuas are more likely to find and ingest things on the ground that larger dogs might not even notice. These can include:
- Dropped pills or medication
- Food scraps
- Small choking hazards
- Pesticides or toxic plants
The “leave it” command becomes a first line of defense in protecting them from ingesting harmful items.
3. Chihuahuas Tend to Guard or Hoard
Chihuahuas sometimes exhibit guarding behaviors with food or toys. Teaching “leave it” can reduce resource guarding tendencies by reinforcing the idea that giving something up leads to a reward—not punishment.
4. Teaching your chihuahua "leave it" Enhances Overall Obedience
“Leave it” is a foundation command that improves impulse control. Once your Chihuahua learns this, you’ll notice improved behavior across the board. It also complements other basic obedience training like “stay,” “come,” and “drop it.”
How to Teach a Chihuahua the “Leave It” Command
Before starting, gather a few essentials:
- High-value treats (something soft and smelly like chicken or cheese and give these "high value" treats ONLY when training
- Low-value treats (like kibble or plain biscuit)
- A quiet space without distractions
- Patience and positivity!
Step 1: Introduce the Concept
- Hold a low-value treat in your closed fist.
- Show it to your Chihuahua, letting them sniff and investigate.
- When they try to paw, lick, or bite your hand, stay calm and say nothing.
- The moment they pull away or stop trying, say “yes!” or use a clicker and give them a high-value treat from your other hand.
- Repeat several times until they understand that ignoring the closed hand earns a better reward.
Step 2: start Adding the Verbal Cue
- Repeat the exercise, but this time, when your dog starts moving toward your closed hand, say “leave it.”
- Wait for them to stop trying.
- Mark the correct behavior (“yes!” or click) and reward from your other hand.
- Be consistent and only reward when they disengage from the closed hand.
Step 3: Practice with the Treat on the Ground
- Place a low-value treat on the ground and cover it with your hand.
- he ground and cover it with your hand. Say “leave it” as your Chihuahua approaches.
- When they stop trying, mark and reward with a different treat.
- Gradually uncover the treat as your dog gets better at obeying “leave it.”
- Always reward with something better than what you’re asking them to leave.
Step 4: begin Adding Movement and Real-Life Practice
- Toss a treat or object in front of your dog and say “leave it.”
- If they hesitate or look at you, mark and reward.
- Practice with real-world distractions like food on the floor, toys, or socks.
- Work up to practicing outside during walks where the distractions are more tempting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Repeating the command: Only say “leave it” once. Repeating confuses the cue.
- Punishing curiosity: Never punish your Chihuahua for being interested. Instead, reward them for disengaging
- Using the wrong reward: Make sure the reward is more enticing than what they’re leaving behind.
- Training too fast: Take baby steps. Don’t move to high distractions too quickly.
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep training sessions short and positive—5 to 10 minutes is plenty.
- Practice in different locations to generalize the behavior.
- Use real-life situations like dropping food or toys to keep training relevant.
- Be consistent with your command and reward timing.
When to Start Teaching your chihuahua "leave it"
You can begin teaching your Chihuahua to “leave it” as early as 8 weeks old, as long as the puppy is engaged and motivated. Adult Chihuahuas can learn it too—it’s never too late to start. In fact, adult dogs may benefit even more since they tend to be bolder and more persistent in their behavior.
Benefits of Teaching “Leave It” to a Chihuahua
- Prevents accidents from ingesting toxic items
- Reduces behavioral issues like resource guarding
- Improves impulse control
- Builds trust between you and your dog
- Makes daily walks safer and more manageable
- Encourages respect and listening skills
Final Thoughts
Training your Chihuahua to respond to the “leave it” command isn’t just about obedience—it’s about keeping your furry friend safe in a world full of temptations and dangers. With consistent training, patience, and positive reinforcement, your little companion can master this command and live a safer, happier life.
So grab those treats, start slow, and watch your Chihuahua become a better-behaved, more responsive pup.
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