Firsthand experience with your dog has taught you that he explores the world with his nose and mouth, and he may pick up some quite unsavory items to orally investigate. For this reason "leave it" or "drop it" is a very important cue for your dog to learn, probably second only to the "down, stay." This cue could save your dog's life if he is just about to inhale that lovely chicken bone, or dog toy squeaker, and could save you a fortune in veterinary bills as well.

How to teach "Leave it!"

You need:

Two or three of your dogs favorite toys - make them ones he likes to put in his mouth.

The tastiest dog treats you can find (if your dog is not particularly enamored by treats, may we suggest liverworst?)

A leash.

Begin teaching your dog in a quiet spot, and then move around and practice inside, outside, with distraction and in different areas of your house, on walks, etc.

Put your dog on his leash and give him one of the toys to play with (you want him on the leash so he does not run away with his toy.) First you trade. Give the cue "leave it!" Put the treat in front of your dog's nose. He should drop the toy and take the treat - praise, praise, praise! (If he does not want the treat wait to train until he is hungrier.) Next, give your dog the toy again and then the treat and repeat the cue, then treat, and the praise, until he is consistently dropping the toy. Continue these steps in all situations as noted above, 3-4 hours apart on consecutive days. Then raise the stakes to be sure your dog's behavior is consistent in all situations, and he will drop anything when he hears the "leave it" cue.  Move on from toys to bully sticks , pizza crusts, or anything your dog really loves. Lastly, have others practice the cue "leave it" with your dog to make sure he performs for everyone, and eventually phase out the treats.