A Lesson in Letting Go

I’ve always been what some might call “dog-obsessed.” Even before I became a professional dog trainer, I stalked the local dog park and if a chonk or a floof crossed my path, all rational thoughts gave way to one overwhelming motivation: must. pet. dog. Friends with dogs were my favorite (I even once dated someone for several months because I loved their dog. Them, not so much.)

Until Herbert came over for a weekend stay, I thought I had the amateur dog whisperer thing under control. But Herbert had my number. A tiny ball of energy, he chose one favorite activity that weekend and wouldn’t let it go. Literally. For Herbert, my home was a wonderland of stuff to put in his mouth. Remote controls, shoes, hair bands, blankets, socks, underwear—literally everything ended up between those sharp little teeth.

I did the worst thing a doggy guardian can possibly do in this situation: I chased him. The more I chased Herbert, the more he played keep-away. The more he played keep-away, the more fun Herbert had. By the end of the weekend, I was exhausted and living in a war zone of gnawed shoes and torn socks. If only I’d known how to teach a dog to drop it.

The Importance of “Drop It”

I’ve never forgotten the lesson Herbert taught me: drop is a crucial cue, especially for puppies and adolescents. It’s the flip-side of “leave it,” which asks a dog not to pick something up that they are interested in. Drop, often known as “drop it,” asks a dog to let something go once they have it. A strong drop can get a dog to release just about any object, no chasing required.

One of the best things about teaching a dog to drop is that it’s playful. If your dog loves to play tug or to hold a ball in their mouth, you’re already ahead of the game. The process is simple:

Step 1

During play, when your dog has a toy in their mouth, say the word “Drop!” then immediately pop a treat in their mouth (do not wait for them to open their mouth on their own). In order to eat the treat, the dog has to drop the item. Wait for them to finish eating, then play again. Repeat at least five times.

Step 2

If they open it, mark the moment with a clicker or the word “Yes!’ then reward them with a treat. If they don’t open their mouth, trade them for the toy by popping a treat in their mouth. Repeat, repeat, repeat.

Step 3

The next time your dog has something in their mouth, ask them to “Drop!” When they do, click/mark the moment and reward them with a treat or with another round of tug. For Step 3, the object could be a toy or any other household item that doesn’t hold special value for your pup.

Troubleshooting the “Drop It” Cue

If your drop cue isn’t working, grab a treat. Slowly approach your pup and exchange a treat for the object. If your dog won’t let you get close enough to trade them, try making a trail of treats on the floor as close to them as you can. Most dogs won’t be able to resist the delicious food on the ground and as they follow the trail, you’ll have the chance to grab the object they stole.

If your dog growls or lunges at you when they have the object in their mouth, back off immediately. They’re attempting to inform you they may bite to keep the item. If the item they have isn’t dangerous, let them keep it until they lose interest and drop it naturally. If the item is dangerous, grab any super-amazing food you can find in your fridge—pizza, hamburgers, or anything else your dog doesn’t usually get—and throw them a piece. They should drop the item for the food. As they eat, continue to throw pieces of food farther and farther away from the object so that they can follow it. Once they are far enough away (preferably in another room) you safely grab the dangerous item.

The Benefits of a Reliable “Drop It”

Teaching a dog to reliably drop objects on command is an essential skill that can keep them—and you—much safer. For example, if your dog picks up and starts to eat something hazardous on a walk, a solid “drop it” cue could save their life. Or if they get a hold of your favorite pair of shoes, you can simply ask them to drop it instead of chasing them around the house.

Beyond preventing dangerous or destructive behaviors, a reliable drop it cue can also make playtime much more enjoyable. You can play fetch, tug-of-war, and other interactive games without worrying about your pup refusing to give the toy back. And when training other commands like “leave it,” a solid “drop it” lays the groundwork for success.

Putting It All Together

If you’ve adopted a new pup or are working with a dog that has a strong tendency to grab and hoard objects, don’t wait to teach “drop it.” It’s a simple but powerful cue that can prevent a lot of stress and heartache down the road. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your furry friend through positive, playful training.

With a little patience and practice, you and your dog will be exchanging toys, socks, and anything else with ease. Just remember the three golden rules: Say the cue, reward the drop, and have fun! Your dog (and your belongings) will thank you.

For more tips on dog care and adoption, be sure to check out ihavedogs.com. Happy training!