What You’ll Need
- High-value treats (small, soft, pea-sized pieces)
- A variety of toys your dog likes to hold in their mouth
- A quiet training area with minimal distractions
- 5–10 minutes per session
- Patience and enthusiasm
Why Teaching Drop It Matters
“Drop it” is an essential safety command that teaches your dog to release items from their mouth on cue. Whether they’ve picked up something toxic, a dangerous object, another animal’s toy, or simply something you don’t want destroyed, a reliable drop it gives you immediate control. It’s also crucial for preventing resource guarding and making play more enjoyable.
Unlike “leave it,” which prevents your dog from picking something up, drop it is used when your dog already has an item. The American Kennel Club recommends teaching drop it early, as puppies naturally explore the world with their mouths. Having this cue established before problems arise makes life safer and less stressful for both you and your dog.
Step-by-Step: How to Teach Drop It
Step 1: Teach the Trade
Start with a toy your dog likes but doesn’t love. Engage them in a brief game of tug or let them hold the toy. Present a high-value treat right at their nose. Most dogs will drop the toy to take the treat. The moment the toy leaves their mouth, say “Yes!” and give the treat. Immediately pick up the toy and give it back to your dog.
This teaches your dog that dropping items results in good things happening — and they usually get the item back! Repeat 10-15 times until your dog eagerly drops the toy when they see the treat approaching.
Step 2: Add the Cue
Once your dog is reliably dropping the toy for the treat, add the verbal cue. Say “drop it,” present the treat, and when they drop the toy, reward. Repeat until your dog associates the cue with the behavior. Then try saying “drop it” and waiting a moment before showing the treat — many dogs will drop the toy in anticipation.
Gradually fade the lure — show the treat less frequently, rewarding after the drop rather than before. Eventually, your dog should drop items on cue without seeing the treat first.
Step 3: Practice with Various Items
Practice drop it with different toys, then low-value household items (socks, empty containers). Work up to items your dog values more. Always reward generously and usually give the item back if it’s safe to do so. If you need to take something away permanently, trade for a treat AND give a different toy.
Training Tips
- Keep sessions short: 5–10 minutes maximum, ending while your dog is still engaged
- End on a success: Always finish with a successful drop it
- Give the item back often: This teaches your dog that dropping doesn’t mean losing forever
- Use high-value trades: The treat should be better than the item being dropped
- Never chase your dog: Chasing turns this into a game — call them to you instead
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Chasing your dog: This reinforces running away with items. Call your dog to you instead.
- Taking items without trading: Always give something in return, or your dog will learn to guard items
- Using drop it only for things they can’t have: Practice with toys they CAN keep
- Getting into a tug-of-war: Never pull items from your dog’s mouth — this creates resistance
Troubleshooting
My dog won’t drop their favorite toy: Start with lower-value items and work up. Use better treats. Some dogs will drop for the chance to chase a second toy thrown as a reward.
My dog runs away with items: You’ve likely chased them before. Stop chasing entirely. Call them to you using a happy voice, then trade. Practice drop it proactively with items they have permission to hold.
My dog swallows items to prevent me from taking them: This is serious resource guarding. Consult a professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist. In the meantime, manage the environment to prevent access to dangerous items.
When to Move On
Your dog has mastered drop it when they reliably release items on the first cue, even high-value toys or found objects, in various environments. They should come to you willingly with items in their mouth rather than running away. Once established, drop it prevents countless dangerous and frustrating situations.