Impulse control · Medium
How to teach your dog to drop it
Drop it gets things out of their mouth calmly, no chasing, no fights.
By Pawfessor Editorial TeamUpdated
- LevelMedium
- Practice timeAbout 120 min in total, over short sessions
- Reps per session3–5
- You needTreats, chew toy
Drop it gets things out of your dog’s mouth calmly, without fights or chasing. Give the toy back often and dropping stops meaning game over.
Before you start
- A toy they like, not their very favorite
- High-value treats
Step by step
- While they hold the toy, put a treat at their nose
Frequently asked questions
My dog runs off with things. What do I do?
Don't chase: it turns into a game. Teach drop it with trades, and give the item back often so letting go doesn't mean losing it.
What if my dog growls when I take things?
That's resource guarding. Don't grab. Talk to your vet and a qualified behaviorist for a safe plan.
Pawfessor programs for this
More commands
Leave It
Leave it can stop your dog eating something dangerous: chocolate, a chicken bone, pills.
Take It
Take it teaches polite mouths. They only take things when invited.
Marker word
A marker word tells your dog the exact moment they got it right. It's the foundation every other command is built on.