Many times it is easy to just grab something out of your dog’s mouth.  This can encourage your dog to bite you and even play keep away.  A much better option is to train your dog to spit things out of his mouth on command with a “drop” command.

• Your dog has a toy show him a treat in your open hand.  As your dog drops the toy say, “drop.”  Then C/T (click and treat).

• Open your hand as if presenting a treat and say “drop.” When your dog drops the toy C/T.

• When your dog has a toy just try saying, “drop.”  If your dog drops the toy then C/T.  If your dog does not drop the toy then present your open hand (just as you did when you had a treat in it) but this time do not have a treat in it.  C/T when your dog drops the toy.

• Eventually your dog should “drop” the object with just the command.

If your dog aggressively guards objects from you please consult Four Legged Scholars.

Happy Training!

Johanna Teresi, Professional Owner and Trainer for Four Legged Scholars LLC