Drop It | Phoenix Behavior Consulting

There will be times when your puppy picks something up that it shouldn’t have in its mouth. For instance, if your dog picks up something like dropped medication or a sharp utensil, the cue DROP IT could save its life. One way to teach your dog DROP IT is by playing tug. (See the video for a different way to teach DROP IT.)

Say TAKE IT and offer a tug toy to your puppy. Play with your puppy for a few minutes. Stop playing — hang on to the toy — and wait for your puppy to release the toy. If your puppy continues to tug, just hang on to the toy and wait. When your puppy gives up the toy, click! and then treat.

When your puppy is consistently letting go of the toy every time you stop, add in the words DROP IT. Play with your puppy. Stop playing and say DROP IT. When your puppy opens its mouth and drops the toy, click! and then treat. Once your puppy understands DROP IT, you can practice using other items such as a tennis ball, your shoe, or the TV remote control.