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There are three very important skills you need to teach your dog about how they should interact with objects in their environment: 1. To NOT touch, or to drop, an object when we say, “Off”, “Don’t Touch”, or “Leave It”; 2. To take and hold an object when we say, “Take It”, and 3. To release an object into our hand when we say, "Thank You". Of course, the actual words that you choose as instructions are your choice, what is important though, is that you are consistent. This will make it as easy as possible for your dog to learn what the words mean.

It’s easiest to start teaching “Off” and “Take it” with pieces of kibble. First, say, “Off” and then, present a piece of kibble in your enclosed fist. Your dog will probably lick, nibble and paw at your hand. If it hurts, say, “Owww!”. DON’T shout but DO withdraw your hand for five seconds and then try again. Otherwise, ignore your dog’s antics. The longer they try to get the food, the more effective the lesson will be. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, eventually, your dog will withdraw their muzzle and as soon as they stop touching your hand, even for a split second, say, “Take it” and open your fist to offer the food reward on the palm of your hand.

Repeat this over and over, progressively increasing the time of non-contact prior to delivering the food reward. Continuously praise your dog while they are not touching your hand, for example, “Good Dog One, Good Dog Two, Good Dog Three” etc. and then eventually, say, “Take it”.

It’s good to count out the “Good Dogs”, so that you praise lots but also, so you have some idea how well your dog is doing and how quickly they’re learning. Practice with all family members and see who can get your dog to not touch for the longest time. If you hold the food just slightly above your dog’s nose, they will likely take a seat, which makes things easier and of course, you get a free sit-stay. (Don’t hold the food too high though, otherwise your dog may jump up.) The whole process moves along much quicker the closer you hold the food to your dog’s nose. You want your dog to emphatically pull their nose away rather than you trying to surreptitiously withdraw your hand.

As your dog becomes more reliable, try with the kibble on the palm of your open hand.  However, be hyper-vigilant and ready to close your hand quickly if your dog makes a move for the food.

Then try teaching “Off” with a piece of kibble on the floor. At first, hold your hand at the ready next to the food so you can cover it immediately if your dog goes for it. Don’t let your dog take the food off the floor though. It’s a bad habit for dogs to learn to scavenge from the floor, or from the ground outdoors where they could easily come across garbage, cat poop, or poisonous mushrooms. Instead, pick up the food and then say, “Take it” and let your dog eat the kibble from the palm of your hand.

Then try “Off” with the kibble between your dog’s front paws, on its paws, or on its nose. This is a fun way to teach solid stays.