How to Train Your Dog to Drop It

There are several very good ways you can go about teaching your dog the 'drop' command, each of which can be used quite successfully. The intent of this command is to teach your dog to instantly drop whatever it is he has in his mouth, whether it’s a bone, a toy, or something he should not be trying to chew on or eat, such as a shoe. Teaching him this is also a good way to put an end to any ideas of possessiveness he might have.

If there is one thing you can count on, it's that your dog, like most dogs, is going to be amazing at finding things around the house or outside that he probably shouldn't have in his mouth. It could be one of your shoes, a dirty sock, people food, or something that could cause him harm. This is nothing more than natural behavior, especially in young puppies. However, if you can't teach him to 'drop it' on command, your pup might swallow the item, causing serious harm to himself. 

The command itself can be simply "Drop", "Drop it", "Leave it", or any other word combination you prefer to use. But no matter what command you decide to use, be sure everyone else uses the same phrase to ensure your dog doesn't become confused and unable to comply.

As with most new commands, you must be patient if you want your pup to master this one successfully. Be prepared to praise your dog each time he gets it right and have plenty of treats on hand to reward him. You can teach this trick to most dogs, regardless of their age, but the sooner you train this the better. Teaching your dog how to drop items on command could potentially save his life. 

Getting started is relatively easy and you really don't need much in the way of supplies. Most trainers recommend using a combination of commands, toys, and treats to get your dog to understand what you expect of him.

As with most forms of training, this is best practiced in a quiet setting with minimal distractions, including other pets, people, traffic, or anything else that might cause his attention to wander.

You will need plenty of patience and a good attitude during the entire training process. If your dog thinks you are enjoying teaching him, he is far more likely to comply. Always use a firm commanding voice without yelling to get his attention. Praise him when he gets it right and never punish him for getting it wrong. In most cases, it is better to practice this new "trick" for a few minutes each day rather than trying to do in long training sessions. Your dog loves to learn new tricks and to make you happy. With a little time, effort, and patience, he can be taught to do just about anything you can imagine.