How to Teach a Australian Shepherd to Leave It
Australian Shepherds are exceptionally smart and work-oriented dogs that thrive when given clear jobs and boundaries. Because they possess such high energy and intelligence, teaching them "Leave It" is crucial for managing impulse control around food, objects, and potential hazards. This command prevents dangerous situations like eating toxic substances or chasing wildlife, while also channeling their natural herding instincts into constructive behavior. Given their trainability (5/5), Aussies learn this command quickly—but their high energy and tendency toward over-arousal mean consistency and frequent training sessions are essential. Unlike some dogs, Aussies need mental stimulation alongside physical exercise (90 minutes daily is recommended). Teaching "Leave It" provides exactly that mental challenge while building the impulse control necessary to manage their reactive tendencies and prevent destructive boredom behaviors.
Step-by-step
- 1
Establish a strong foundation with high-value rewards
Start in a quiet, distraction-free space and teach your Aussie that ignoring an object results in an even better reward. Use treats more valuable than what you're asking them to leave (e.g., cheese or chicken instead of kibble). Hold a low-value treat in your closed fist, let them sniff it, and reward immediately when they pull away or show disinterest. Repeat 5-10 times per session, multiple times daily, to match their high intelligence and need for mental stimulation.
- 2
Add the verbal cue and hand signal
Once your Aussie reliably looks away from your closed fist, introduce the "Leave It" command paired with a consistent hand signal (e.g., open palm facing them). Say the command clearly just before they naturally turn away, then immediately reward. This builds the association between the word and the behavior. Practice daily for 2-3 weeks, as Aussies respond exceptionally well to clear, consistent direction.
- 3
Increase difficulty gradually with real objects
Progress to low-value items on the ground (a crumpled paper, an old toy) and reward heavily when your Aussie ignores them. Their work-oriented nature means they'll quickly understand this is a job with excellent pay-off. Once reliable, introduce slightly more tempting items like treat-coated toys, then actual dropped treats. Always ensure the reward for leaving it is bigger and better than what they're leaving behind.
- 4
Practice in progressively distracting environments
Train at home first, then in your backyard, then on walks in quiet areas, gradually building toward busier settings. Australian Shepherds can become over-aroused in stimulating environments, so practice during calmer parts of the day and keep sessions short (5-10 minutes). Their reactivity means controlled environments help prevent frustration—always set them up for success.
- 5
Proof the command during real-world scenarios
Once solid indoors and outdoors, practice during actual walks and social situations where your Aussie encounters real distractions (dropped food, other dogs, squirrels). Use their natural herding instinct to your advantage: frame "Leave It" as a redirected "work" command where following it earns you as their focus. This taps into their desire to have a job and please their handler.
- 6
Maintain consistency and refresh regularly
Given their high energy and intelligence, Aussies can become bored with repetitive training if it feels rote. Keep sessions dynamic and vary rewards (treats, toys, play, praise). Practice at least 3-4 times weekly long-term to prevent regression, and incorporate "Leave It" into daily life during meals, treat-giving, and walks to embed it as automatic behavior.
Pro tips
- Use short, high-frequency sessions (5-10 minutes, 4-5 times daily) instead of long ones—Aussies have intense focus but can burn out mentally, and their high energy means they benefit from multiple brief mental challenges throughout the day.
- Frame 'Leave It' as a job with a clear payoff, not just obedience—tap into their work-oriented nature by being genuinely enthusiastic when they succeed, treating it like they've just completed an important task worthy of their intelligence.
- Pair 'Leave It' training with adequate physical exercise (90+ minutes daily)—an under-exercised Aussie will struggle with impulse control regardless of training, so this command works best as part of a comprehensive routine that manages their extreme energy levels.
Frequently asked questions
My Aussie still lunges at dropped food despite weeks of training. Is this normal?+
Yes, especially for high-energy Australian Shepherds in aroused states. Their reactivity can override training when adrenaline is high. Manage the environment by keeping tempting foods out of reach, and continue practicing "Leave It" during calm moments to strengthen the behavior. If lunging persists during high-arousal situations, work with a trainer to also address over-arousal through more vigorous exercise (90+ minutes daily) and mental enrichment like puzzle toys or scent work.
Can I use a leash as backup while teaching Leave It?+
Yes, absolutely. A leash can prevent your Aussie from reaching the item while you mark and reward the correct behavior. However, avoid using the leash to punish or jerk—Australian Shepherds respond best to positive reinforcement. Use it as a safety net only, allowing them to make the right choice and rewarding heavily when they do.
How long until my Aussie is reliably "Leave It" reliable?+
Given their exceptional trainability (5/5), many Aussies show solid understanding within 2-3 weeks of consistent daily practice. However, proofing in real-world scenarios takes longer—typically 8-12 weeks of varied practice across different environments. Continue reinforcing even after they seem reliable, as their high intelligence means they can selectively apply rules depending on arousal level.
My Aussie herding-nips at my hand during training. What should I do?+
Stop the session immediately and redirect to an appropriate toy or chew. Herding nipping is a breed-typical behavior that gets worse when over-stimulated. Keep training sessions short, ensure your dog has adequate daily exercise, and never reward nipping by continuing the game. This prevents accidentally reinforcing an undesired behavior while maintaining the positive training relationship.