Difficulty: Moderate
Like, Bring Slippers, this trick builds off of the Learn Names trick. In this trick, you will teach your dog to bring you his leash when you are ready to take him outside for a walk. This is quite an impressive trick, and makes your dog appear super smart. I remember my grandmother came for a visit one day, and I nonchalantly asked Caspian for his leash to take him outside. When he came trotting back with the leash dangling from his mouth, my grandmother laughed and pronounced him "the smartest dog." I'm sure your guests will do the same!
Step 1: Set the leash on the floor. Tell him to take it. Click and treat when he does.
Step 2: Go to the door. Tell him to take the leash, bring it, and drop it in your hands. Click and treat.
Step 3: Repeat the take it, bring it, drop it action several times, saying, "Leash!" when he drops it in your hands.
Step 4: Eliminate the "take it, bring it, drop it" commands and start only using "Leash." You can also use a hand signal to give him a hint.
Step 5: Command him to get his leash. Click and Jackpot if he obeys you, and take him outside for a long walk!
OUR EXPERIENCE
Although this trick took several training sessions to teach, "Leash" was a moderately easy trick for Caspian to learn. I started out with the leash on the floor. "Take it!" I said. He did, and I clicked and treated. The next time, I said "Take it, Bring it, and Drop it," into my hands. Each time he did this for me I would click and treat, saying, "Leash!" Many times, when he would successfully drop it into my hands, I would take him outside as a reward instead of a treat. Soon, Caspian was able to bring me his leash whenever I gave him the command. Whenever we go outside, he brings it to me every time!
TEACHING TROUBLE
He won't drop it in my hands! Be picky. If he doesn't put it in your hands, he doesn't get a walk, or a treat either. If he successfully brings it to you and drops it on the floor, tell him to take it again and drop it in your hands. Immediately click and reward when he does drop it into your hands.
Tip: "Put the leash somewhere so your dog has easy access to it, such as draped over a closet knob or in a basket near the door."