Core Obedience

Teaching Drop It

Core Obedience

Overview

Drop it is a trade, not a demand. Teach it as a fun game and your dog will happily spit out anything on cue. Teach it by force and you'll create a dog who runs away with their prize.

Why it matters

The dog who drops a chicken bone on cue is the dog you don't rush to the emergency vet.

Watch: demonstration

[VIDEO PLACEHOLDER] Trade demo with a toy: dog drops toy for a treat, gets toy back, drops again. — trainer to attach a video via the admin uploader.

Step by step

  1. Offer your dog a low-value toy they'll pick up.

  2. Present a much higher-value treat right at their nose.

  3. The instant they open their mouth to take the treat, say "drop it" and give the treat.

  4. Pick up the toy, offer it back. Repeat.

  5. Practice so they get the toy back most of the time — drop it should not mean "the fun ends."

  6. Only start using it in real emergencies once it's solid in play.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER] Two-hand technique: treat under nose, other hand ready to collect the item. — trainer to upload one or more still images.

Common mistakes

  • Chasing the dog to grab the item — they'll run faster next time.

  • Only using drop-it to take things away — always trade back most of the time.

  • Prying the dog's mouth open — dangerous and destroys trust.

Practice this week

Practice 5 trades a day during play sessions.