How To Teach Your Dog To "Drop It", by McCann Dog Training on YouTube. 1 min 12 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 12 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Pick a tug toy your dog loves and keep a handful of small treats in your pocket or a pouch within reach.
Before the game starts, ask your dog to sit and wait. Only start tugging once they hold the sit calmly.
Play tug for a few seconds, keeping the game fun and controlled, then stop pulling on the toy.
Hold the toy still and place a piece of food right on your dog's nose so they notice the treat.
Wait patiently without tugging. Let the dog choose to let go of the toy to take the food.
The moment the toy drops, say your cue word such as drop it or out, then give the treat.
Offer the toy again and repeat the stop, treat on nose, wait and reward cycle several times.
Practice in short sessions of a few minutes and add the cue word just before the dog releases.
Tips and common mistakes
Never yank the toy out of your dog's mouth, since that turns the game into a tug of war and teaches them to grip harder.
Say the cue word only once and at the moment the dog lets go, so the word gets linked to the release.
Keep sessions short and end while your dog still wants more, so the game stays rewarding.
If your dog ignores the treat, use something smellier like small pieces of cheese or cooked chicken.
Questions
What if my dog will not let go of the toy at all?
Stop pulling and hold the toy completely still. Place the treat right on the nose and wait. Most dogs release once the toy stops moving and food is close.
When should I add the words drop it or out?
Add the cue once your dog reliably releases for the treat. Say it once just as they open their mouth, then reward.
Can I use this with a puppy?
Yes. Puppies can learn the trade game early. Keep tug sessions gentle and short, and use soft treats they can chew quickly.
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.
