You may not be the type of puppy owner who spends a lot of time training your pooch. It’s rather alright (most dog owners do not have the time). However, there are two basic commands that could literally save your dog’s life and only takes a few minutes each day to teach.

Teaching your puppy the “leave it” and “drop it” commands can keep your pup from doing something dangerous, such as eating mouse poison, stinking food and other disgusting stuff, or running into the path of a speeding bus.

Leave It

With your puppy on a leash, walk by a beguiling item, such as food or a toy (you can pre-place items for this exercise). When your puppy tries to pick up the item, give a short quick tug on the leash and say, “Leave it.”

Enthusiastically praise your puppy for obeying (“Good Boy!”). You can offer a liver snap at this time if you prefer, but praise and a pat on the head work just as well. Repeat this routine at home.

Here’s another method you can use to educate your puppy the “leave it” command: Hold a food treat in your unopen fist. When your puppy sniffs your hand, say “Leave it,” and keep your hand closed. When your pup stops nosing your hand, reward with praise, then give a verbal release command (such as “okay”) and let your puppy have the treat. Continue working like this until your puppy will sit quietly without touching a nearby treat until you give the release command.

Drop It

When your puppy picks up a forbidden object, say, “Drop it!” and walk over to your puppy. If your pup won’t release the item, offer it a tempting treat as a trade for the item. When your puppy drops it, offer praise and a safe substitute – preferably one that’s more beguiling than the forbidden item.

If your puppy runs away from you, don’t chase it – it’ll think you’re acting a game. instead, ignore your little one and get yourself a treat from the kitchen (something you know your puppy likes). Take the treat to a puppy-accessible area and start to eat it (or pretend to eat it, if it’s a dog goodie).

Be dramatic about how yummy it is. Call your puppy over, then give the drop it command and trade the treat for the forbidden item. (Be sure to praise your youngster for obeying.) After your puppy finishes the treat, offer an acceptable toy.