Teaching your dog the leave it command can do more than save your Manolos from certain destruction. It may just save her life if she's getting ready to chomp down on a dangerous object. Take the following steps to teach your dog this behavior.
The Set-Up
Don't even attempt to teach the leave it command until your pup is at least 12 weeks old. Teaching a baby to "leave it" will surely result in frustration. Instead, be sure to supervise your puppy whenever she is unconfined. To begin teaching the Leave It Command, stock up on tasty treats and some not-so-tasty food items. One of the best ways to teach the Leave It Command is to begin with food.
Getting Started
Put your dog on a flat collar and lead, and place a plain cracker or some other mildly appealing food on floor. As soon as she approaches the cracker, say "leave it" in a low growling voice. As soon as she hesitates, heap on the praise in a sing-song voice. If she does not hesitate, immediately restrain her with the leash and lead her away, offering praise as you do so. Offer a delicious tidbit such as a cube of meat as a reward. 
She will begin to understand that if she obeys the leave it command she'll get a scrumptious treat instead of a plain cracker.
The Next Step
Once your dog is responding well to the leave it command, you may try it with other objects. Leave something irresistible out to tempt your pup. Try a tasty shoe or a squeaky toy or whatever your pooch finds interesting. Just be sure to be consistent each time you issue the leave it command and offer lots of praise and tasty treats as rewards and reinforcement.
Once your dog consistently follows the leave it command, you can take her outside and try it. At first, you can leave things out that you know will pique her interest. Again, be consistent and offer praise. If she shows inconsistent results, keep her on a lead so you can offer plenty of guidance. After she has caught on, you can begin using it in her day-to-day life, offering more freedom as you become confident in her obedience. Slowly wean her from the food rewards but phase the verbal praise out more gradually.
You'll love it once your dog has learned the leave it command.
