- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
When your dog knows how to “drop it,” they understand they need to let go of something in their mouth, whether it’s a toy or something they shouldn’t have. This is a skill you need to teach your dog, and it can be part of training or playtime.
“Drop it is an important behavior for every dog,” says Nicole Kohanski, (CDBC, CTC), a dog behaviorist, trainer, and founder of Wiggle Butt Academy. If your dog has something dangerous in their mouth, knowing the ‘drop it’ command can keep them safe. Most dogs can learn this with the right training.
Keep reading to learn how to teach your dog to drop something, what to do if they won’t, and when to ask a trainer for help. We’ll also answer common questions about teaching your dog to drop things.
What You’ll Need to Teach “Drop It”
To teach your dog to drop it, you’ll need:
- A toy or object they can hold in their mouth
- Training treats to reward them
- Patience to practice and help them learn
- A dog trainer if you want extra help
You don’t need to do anything else to get ready. Luckily, Kohanski says your dog doesn’t need to know any other basic commands to learn ‘drop it.’
6 Steps to Teach Your Dog to Drop It
There are different ways to teach your dog to drop something, but Kohanski says these steps can help your dog learn.
Don’t rush through the steps. If your dog is having trouble, go back and try again. Some dogs learn fast, but others need more time and practice.
1. Offer another object
Start by playing with your dog when they already have a toy in their mouth. In a familiar place, like your home, say “drop” and give them another toy or a treat.
This is called the “trade method,” where they trade what’s in their mouth for something else. Dogs that love food might prefer trading for a treat.
Tip for deaf dogs or those using sign language: Instead of saying “drop,” use a hand signal, like pointing to the ground.
2. Give a treat and praise
After your dog drops the toy, reward them with a treat and praise. You can repeat steps one and two several times so your dog gets used to it.
Ideally, you’ll do this in the same comfortable place they’re used to playing.
3. Use only the verbal or hand command
Once your dog is trading the toy regularly, you can just say “drop” or use a hand signal without offering another toy.
If they drop it, reward them with treats and praise. If they don’t, return to the trade method and try again. It may take your dog multiple tries before they succeed, and training them over a few sessions is okay.
4. Phase out the treats
It’s important your dog can drop things even if you don’t have a treat. Once they start dropping items when you say “drop,” try using just praise.
Give your dog a toy, then tell them to drop it. When they do, give them verbal praise.
5. Try different toys and locations
To make sure your dog can drop anything, anywhere, try using different toys in different places.
After they’ve dropped the toy several times in one place, try it in another room or outside. You can use treats if needed in new spots.
6. Practice “drop” often
Kohanski suggests practicing “drop” frequently so your dog learns to do it anytime. Use “drop” during play, like when playing fetch or tug-of-war, and praise them when they do it.
Practicing will help them be ready to drop something if they ever grab something dangerous.
What to Do If Your Dog Won’t Drop Something Dangerous
If your dog won’t drop something dangerous, stay calm and offer them something else to pick up.
Some dogs may not want to let go of something because they feel like they have to protect it. Forcing them to drop it can make them aggressive, says Alexandra Bassett, the lead trainer and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy. Instead, try offering them a treat or food.
Toss the treat or food near your dog so they’re tempted to drop what’s in their mouth. Then, throw another treat a little farther away to get them away from the dangerous item.
Bassett also suggests giving your dog more treats and praise after taking the item so they feel like it’s a fair trade. Don’t punish or harshly discipline your dog, as this can make them more protective in the future.
What to Do If Your Dog Gets Aggressive
If your dog gets aggressive when you try to take something from them, they might be showing “resource guarding,” which means they want to protect what they have. This can make them act like they’re willing to fight to keep it.
“Resource guarding could become problematic if not handled compassionately,” Bassett says. If your dog is growling or showing their teeth, they might bite you, which can hurt the bond between you and your dog.
To avoid this, try trading with them by offering food. If that doesn’t work, it’s best to move away from the situation if you can.
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What to Avoid When Teaching Your Dog to Drop It
Bassett suggests avoiding these mistakes when teaching your dog to drop something:
- Not training ahead of time – Don’t wait until your dog grabs something dangerous to teach “drop it.” Make it part of their regular training.
- Ignoring your dog’s body language – If you see your dog stop and look at or stand over something, they might be getting ready to pick it up. Be ready with a treat to trade.
- Using punishment – Yelling, timeouts, or other punishments can make your dog feel negative toward you. This can lead to aggression; your dog might start seeing you as competition.
When to Get Help From a Trainer
You can usually teach your dog to drop it on your own, but you might want to work with a certified dog trainer if:
- You’d feel better with a professional’s help
- Your dog is struggling to learn the command
- Your dog is acting aggressively
There are various ways to work with a trainer, including online training and in-person classes.
“Drop It”: FAQs
How long does it take to teach a dog to drop it?
You can teach your dog the basics of “drop it” in one session, but it’s important to keep practicing over time so they respond well to the command.
Bassett says dogs don’t always learn cues as quickly as we think. They might listen during training but not in everyday life, so practice in different situations and reward them for doing it right.
Can you teach older dogs to drop it?
Yes, you can teach a dog of any age to drop it. Bassett says using praise and treats makes learning easier for senior dogs.
What should I do if my dog refuses to drop it?
If your dog won’t drop something, offer them a treat or food. This can encourage them to let go and trade what’s in their mouth for the treat.
How do I get my dog to drop a dangerous item?
To get your dog to drop something dangerous, place food near them. When they drop the item to eat the food, put another piece further away so you can safely pick up the dangerous item.
How can I make “drop it” fun for my dog?
You can make learning “drop it” fun by using it during playtime. For example, tell them to drop and trade a toy for another toy or treat.
Praise them when they do it right to make it a positive experience.
What if my dog gets aggressive when I try to take things away?
Stay calm and kind if your dog gets aggressive when you try to take something. This helps prevent the situation from getting worse and builds trust.
If the aggression continues, getting help from a professional dog trainer is a good idea.
How do I reinforce the “drop it” command after training?
After training, keep practicing “drop it” often. Use it during play and in real-life situations to make sure your dog remembers the command.
