Sometimes your rottie will be interested in something that you don't want him to be interested in. It could be a piece of trash on the ground, another dog, a cat, or a person. “Leave it” is an excellent command to keep your rottie from getting into something he's not supposed to.

Conventional Method with Positive Training and Clicker Method

When your rottweiler shows interest in something that he shouldn't, you should try to redirect his attention. Try “Leave it,” followed by the command, “Watch me!” If you've been successful with your “Watch me!” training, your rottie should turn his attention to you from the item of interest. Give him a treat (or click and treat, if using the clicker).

But sometimes the item is too interesting. At that point, you will have to get your rottie's attention. If he's on leash, tell him, “No, leave it!” Don't yell or shout; he can hear you just fine. Pull him away from whatever it is that interested him. Show him a treat and give it to him once you have his attention (or click and treat if you are using the clicker). If your rottie is off leash, you may have to show him something more enticing and clip a leash on his collar to lead him away.

Teaching “Leave It” with Positive Methods

You can teach “Leave it” at home with certain items. Plant a “Leave it” item — something that would be interesting but not harmful if your rottie got hold of it. (Don't use his toys or food you would normally give him.) Put some Tabasco sauce or Bitter Apple solution on the item in question. Have your treats ready for “Watch me.” When your rottie expresses interest in the item, tell him, “No, leave it.” Then follow it up with, “Watch me!”

If he ignores your command and picks up the item, he'll have a nasty surprise. If it is coated with something he dislikes, he'll drop it. Show him a treat and have him perform “Watch me!” Give him the treat and praise him.

Try again with other items that are tempting but not dangerous if he mouths or eats them. Again, coat them with a bitter solution or Tabasco to be sure to make them unappetizing when he touches them. He'll associate the words “Leave it” with leaving things alone that look appealing but really aren't.

Clicker Method

You can teach “Leave it” at home with certain items. Plant a “Leave it” item — something that would be interesting but not harmful if your rottie got hold of it. Of course, don't use his toys or food you would normally give him. Again, put some Tabasco sauce or Bitter Apple solution on the item in question. Have your treats ready for “Watch me.” When your rottie expresses interest in the item, tell him, “No, leave it.” Then follow it up with, “Watch me!” Click and treat when he makes eye contact.

If he ignores your command and picks up the item, he'll have a nasty surprise. If it is coated with something he dislikes, he'll drop it. Click and treat when he drops it. Then have him do a “Watch me!” after which you click and treat.

Try again with other items that are tempting but not dangerous if he mouths or eats them. Again, coat them with a bitter solution or Tabasco to be sure to make them unappetizing when he touches them. He'll associate the words “Leave it” with the need to leave things alone that look appealing but really aren't.