the leave-it command
A helpful command for dogs (and me!)
Hello, how are you? Canine Hotline here! Your weekly Tuesday newsletter fetching advice and adventures for dog people. Here’s a little adventure to add to your dog’s agenda this week:
Does your dog know the “leave-it” command? This is truly one of the most versatile and helpful commands. It can be used to train your dog to not lunge at the snarling Chihuahua, chase the squirrel, sniff roadkill, partake in other potentially harmful activities, etc. The leave-it command can also be a game!
For example, a Belgian Malinois came up to me this morning in Central Park and brought me her frisbee.
“Are you going to give me your frisbee?” I asked the Malinois, reaching for her slimy toy.
She pulled her toy away and waved it around, clearly telling me that no, she was not going to give me her frisbee. Why would she do that? Am I crazy?
Tell her to leave-it! Her owner told me.
I looked at the dog.
“Leave it.”
The dog immediately released the frisbee into my hand. (Those Malinois really are smart.)
So, I threw it.
The dog sprinted after it, leapt in the air, basically as high as Michael Jordan, and caught it with her mouth. Amazing! (How cool is it that dogs catch things in the air with their mouths, by the way? I mean, if they miss, the thing hits them in the face. Such high stakes!)
Anyway, the leave-it command should never be a scold, and it should be said with confidence and clarity. The command is also not ONLY for dogs. Let’s talk about some of the ways you might incorporate the leave-it command into your own life…
How to practice the leave-it command (for humans)…
With it being a new year and all, there is so much we want to accomplish and do in 2023. I’m learning that in order to achieve and do all the things, it requires not putting energy into the things we don’t want to do. That sounds so easy and obvious! Of course, it’s not. It’s extremely challenging. The leave-it command can help though.
Fernie, leave it! I say, whenever I start doubting myself again, or stressing about something or someone I can’t control.
Leaaave it, I say, whenever I start comparing myself to someone on Instagram.
Leave it! I might say to myself, when another animal barks at me about something for no reason. (Leave it! I might also to say to myself, when I feel like I’m about to bark at someone for no reason…)
Of course, the leave-it command is also helpful with things like newsletters and instagram posts. I could sit here for forever, perfecting and never getting anywhere. Or I could just, like, decide it’s good enough, click send, and …leave it!
So, on that note…
Cheers!
Fern
How might you incorporate the Leave-it command into your life this week? Share in the comments!
