How to Teach a Reliable Drop It, by Ethan McMahon Dog Training on YouTube. 1 min 42 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 42 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Start a short tug game with your dog using a rope or tug toy. Keep it fun and stop before your dog gets overexcited.
Stop moving the toy and hold it still against your body. Wait for your dog to loosen its grip on its own.
The moment your dog lets go, say drop it in a calm, clear voice and praise it.
Reward with a treat and let your dog move a step away from the toy. Space is the sign it has fully disengaged.
Restart the tug game straight away as the reward for letting go. This teaches that dropping keeps the fun going.
Repeat five to ten times per session, always waiting for the dog to release before you say the cue.
Once your dog drops quickly, add the cue just before it releases and reward with a treat instead of the toy sometimes.
Practise in new rooms and with different toys until your dog drops on the first word every time.
Tips and common mistakes
Never yank the toy out of your dog's mouth, as that turns drop it into a game of keep away.
Say the cue only once and wait, so your dog learns the word means let go, not repeat after me.
Keep sessions short and end while your dog still wants to play.
If your dog guards toys, work with a trainer before practising this game.
Questions
How long does it take to teach drop it?
Most dogs pick up the basics in a few short sessions over one to two weeks. Daily practice of five to ten reps works better than one long session.
What if my dog will not let go of the toy?
Hold the toy still and stay quiet until your dog releases. If it never lets go, use a lower value toy or start with a treat swap.
Can I use this cue when my dog picks up something unsafe?
Yes, a strong drop it is useful for dropped food or rubbish. Practise at home first so the cue works when you really need it.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
