As usual, my untrained dog, Tilly, is here to demonstrate a training tip (hi Tilly!). In this picture, Tilly has dropped her new favorite toy, Kooky Chicken of the Kooky Chicken Swim Party collection, into my lap. This poses a dilemma for me because I don't particularly enjoy a slimy plastic toy dumped on my lap. At the same time, it's a slight improvement over her romping through the house SQUEEKING Kooky Chicken. The sound is just soul-splitting.
Anyway, "drop it" is a very helpful command for your dog to learn and it's one of the easier ones as well. As usual, start with a tired dog, because they are more apt to listen. And a hungry dog (you'll see why in a minute).
Let's say your dog has something that she wants, but you don't want her to have. Offer the dog a treat and say in a firm voice (not the asking a question voice because a dog's answer to your question is always "no!"), say "Drop it!" and promptly offer an enticing treat like a piece of hot dog or cheese. Chances are good (unless your dog is carrying around hot dogs and/or cheese, in which case you must be at a picnic) that your dog will drop the item.
Give the dog the treat - instant reward for the behavior! This is why dogs learn this command so quickly - they open their mouth to let go only to find something even better.
This command can save your laundry, children's toys, remote control, or even your dog's life if she grabs something dangerous. So start your training today! If you set your dog up for three quick sessions per day, by the end of the week, your dog will probably know this command well.
What toy does your dog like best? What in your life do you need to "drop?" Does anyone else have a Kooky Chicken?
so wish i had a kooky chicken who is part of the swim party collection . . . seriously good tip. now i know what to do w/ the cheese i carry in my pockets. thanks lynne.
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