Drop It
Drop it is a cue for both fun and safety. During play, the drop it cue enables you to play games like fetch and tug with ground rules and good manners! It’s also invaluable for when your dog has something in their mouth they shouldn’t.
Practical Uses for Drop It
Get your dog to release an item they have in their mouth: a toy, a shoe, or something dangerous.
Can help prevent resource guarding by showing your dog you are always willing to exchange what they have for valuable rewards.
Step 1: Start with a Tug Toy
Play tug with your dog using a safe toy.
After a few seconds, say "Drop It" and present a treat to your dog’s nose.
When your dog releases the toy to take the treat, say "Yes!" or click, and give the treat.
Return the toy to your dog.
Step 2: Increase Difficulty
Practice with various items, including low-value and high-value objects.
Work on the cue during different activities like fetch or when they pick up random objects.
Another Option: For Dogs Who Won’t Hold the Toy
Some dogs will refuse to pick up a toy when they know you have treats- making the steps above impossible! Don’t worry, we’ve got another option to teach Drop It.
In this version, we’re going to teach your dog to associate the word “Drop It” with opening their mouth and looking at the ground.
Say “Drop It” and immediately scatter a couple of treats on the ground. Your dog has to look down and open their mouth to get the treats!
Repeat this until it’s a very quick response.
Later, when your dog naturally has something in their mouth, say “Drop It” and immediately grab some treats to toss!
Troubleshooting: My dog won’t release the item.
Start without an item. Say “Drop It” and drop some treats on the floor. Repeat 10-20x.
Once your dog is visibly excited about the Drop It cue, add a low value item. When your dog holds the item, say “Drop It” and toss a handful of treats on the floor.
When your dog drops their item, you can pick it up while offering them another treat.
Try using a higher value treat or toy to reward the Drop It.
Troubleshooting: My dog grabs items and runs away.
Teach the "Come" cue alongside "Drop it."
Practice on leash and in a controlled environment.
Don’t chase! This makes it a game and encourages your dog to ignore you.
Sometimes moving in the opposite direction or to the treat jar to get a treat stops the chase.
Tips:
Always reward with something more valuable than what your dog is giving up.
When practicing, giving the item right back helps to keep the cue positive.
Never try to pry an item from your dog's mouth.
If your dog starts guarding objects, reach out to a behavior professional! Early intervention is important to reduce guarding behaviors.
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