How to teach a dog to drop it

By Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant.

There are several different ways to teach a dog to “drop it,” including positive reinforcement, negative punishment, and counterconditioning.

Resource guarding in dogs refers to the behavior of protecting a valued resource, such as food, toys, or even people, from being taken away by others. Teaching a dog to “drop it” is an important behavior that can help prevent aggressive or possessive behavior and ensure the safety of both the dog and those around them.

Positive reinforcement involves rewarding the dog for releasing the item on command. This can be done by using a marker word such as “yes” or a clicker to let the dog know they have done the right thing and then immediately giving them a treat or toy they can have instead.

Negative punishment involves removing something the dog wants to decrease the likelihood of unwanted behavior. This can be done by taking the resource away and not giving it back until the dog releases it on command.

Counterconditioning involves changing the dog’s emotional response to the resource. This can be done by teaching the dog that releasing the item will lead to a positive outcome, such as getting a treat or a toy in return.

Step-by-Step instructions for teaching a dog to “drop it” using positive reinforcement:

1. Begin by offering the dog a treat or toy and asking them to “drop it.”
2. If the dog releases the item, mark the behavior with a word such as “yes” or a clicker, and immediately give them the treat or toy they can have instead.
3. Repeat this process several times until the dog consistently releases the item on command.
4. Slowly start to fade out the treats or toys, and instead, use praise or playtime as the reward.

Step-by-Step instructions for teaching a dog to “drop it” using negative punishment:

1. Begin by offering the dog a treat or toy and asking them to “drop it.”
2. If the dog does not release the item, remove it and put it away.
3. Repeat this process several times until the dog consistently releases the item on command to avoid losing the treat or toy.

Step-by-Step instructions for teaching a dog to “drop it” using counterconditioning:

1. Begin by offering the dog a treat or toy and asking them to “drop it.”
2. If the dog releases the item, mark the behavior with a word such as “yes” or a clicker, and immediately give them a treat or toy they can have instead.
3. Repeat this process several times until the dog consistently releases the item on command.
4. Start gradually increasing the item’s value, such as using a more desirable treat or toy, to ensure the dog still releases it on command.

When teaching a dog to “drop it,” people may make several common mistakes. These include:

1. Using physical force: Some people may try to physically force their dog to release an item, such as by prizing their mouth open or pulling the item away. This can lead to fear and aggression in the dog and should be avoided.
2. Using punishment: Punishing a dog for not releasing an item, such as by hitting or yelling at them, can also lead to fear and aggression. This can also make the dog associate the command with negative experiences and make it harder for them to learn.
3. Not using a marker word: A marker word is a word or sound that tells the dog when they have done the right thing. Without a marker word, the dog may not know when they have correctly released the item and when they should be rewarded.
4. Not using enough rewards: Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement, which rewards them for good behavior. If the rewards are not appealing or given frequently enough, the dog may not see the point in releasing the item.
5. Not teaching “drop it” in different contexts: Teaching the command in one context, such as when the dog is alone with the owner, but not in other contexts, such as when they are around other people or dogs, can make the dog more likely to guard the resource in those situations.
6. Not being consistent: Teaching the dog to “drop it” but not enforcing the command consistently can confuse the dog and make it harder for them to learn the command.

It’s also important to note that some dogs may have underlying behavioral or medical issues that may make it harder for them to learn the command. It’s important to work with a professional dog trainer, certified dog behavior consultant, or dog behaviorist to address these issues and create a training plan that is specific to the dog’s individual needs.

It is important to note that these methods should be used under the guidance and supervision of a professional dog trainer, behavior consultant, or dog behaviorist. Resource guarding can be a serious issue and may require a customized training plan.

References:

1. Lindsay, S. R. (2000). Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training: Vol. 1. Iowa State University Press.
2. Dorman, D. C., & Voith, V. L. (2016). Small animal clinical nutrition (Vol. 5). John Wiley & Sons.
3. Horwitz, D. F., Neilson, J. C., & Reid, J. (2017). BSAVA manual of canine and feline behavioural medicine (2nd ed.). BSAVA.
4. “The Power of Training Dogs with Markers,” by Kathy Sdao, published in the Whole Dog Journal, 2010.
5. “Resource Guarding in Dogs,” by Dr. Sophia Yin, published on her website, 2011.
6. “Positive Reinforcement Training for Dogs,” by Patricia B. McConnell, published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2008.
7. “The Science of Dog Training,” by Karen Pryor, published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 2002.
8. “Resource Guarding in Dogs: Understanding the Behavior and How to Prevent it,” by Dr. Emily Levine, published on the American Veterinary Medical Association website, 2018.
9. “Resource Guarding in Dogs: A Review,” by Dr. Emily Levine, published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2015.
10. “Behavioral modification of resource guarding in dogs,” by Dr. Karen L. Overall, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 1997.
11. “Teaching “Drop It” and “Leave It” to Dogs,” by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), published on their website, 2016.

It’s important to note that the references above are for general information and not for a specific dog; it’s always best to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to address specific issues and create a training plan that is specific to the dog’s individual needs.