Beginner Level: The Open Hand

Phase 1: Setup

• Prep: Place low-value treat in open palm.
• Prep: Hide high-value toy behind back.
• Action: Present open palm near dog’s nose.

Phase 2: Correction

• Trigger: Dog moves toward your hand.
• Command: Say “Leave” clearly and firmly.
• Block: Instantly close hand into fist.

Phase 3: Redirection

• Trigger: Sighthound sniffs or paws fist.
• Action: Ask for a “Sit.”
• Note: Sighthounds can find sitting uncomfortable.
• Reset: Once sitting, reopen hand; repeat.

Phase 4: Reward

• Trigger: Dog looks away from hand.
• Action: Mark instantly with “Yes!”
• Reward: Present hidden toy; initiate play.

Intermediate Level: The Controlled Drop

Phase 1: Drop

• Prep: Hold low-value treat between fingers.
• Prep: Conceal high-value toy behind back.
• Action: Drop treat six inches onto floor.

Phase 2: Block

• Trigger: Sighthound moves toward dropped treat.
• Command: Say “Leave” as treat falls.
• Block: Cover treat with foot immediately.

Phase 3: Floor Redirection

• Trigger: Dog paws or sniffs foot.
• Action: Ask for a “Sit.”
• Tip: Step back to give long legs space.
• Reset: Lift foot; reissue “Leave” command.

Phase 4: Distance Reward

• Trigger: Dog looks up, making eye contact.
• Action: Mark instantly with “Yes!”
• Reward: Toss toy away from floor treat.

Advanced Level: The Moving Object

Phase 1: Moving Trigger

• Prep: Use leash if chase instinct is high.
• Prep: Use low-value treat ball or toy.
• Action: Roll object 3–5 feet away.

Phase 2: Intercept

• Trigger: Object rolls, activating visual tracking.
• Command: Say “Leave” the millisecond it moves.
• Block: Step on object to stop motion.

Phase 3: High-Arousal Reset

• Trigger: Dog lunges or pulls toward object.
• Action: Command “Sit” to break visual lock.
• Reset: Wait for stillness before rolling again.

Phase 4: Prey Reward

• Trigger: Dog looks directly at your face.
• Action: Mark enthusiastically with “Yes!”
• Reward: Throw favorite toy in opposite direction.