Things You'll Need
- "High-value" dog treats (or human food such as meat or cheese)
- Dog toy
- Rawhide chew
Instructions
Begin teaching the dog to release an object by giving it a favorite toy or a chew bone. Let the dog chew and enjoy the bone or toy. Don't immediately ask the dog to release the object or introduce the command. Make this early learning a game the dog enjoys.
Hold a "high-value" treat near the dog's nose while the toy or bone is in its mouth. Use a treat the dog doesn't usually get, such as a soft dog treat that has a strong smell, a piece of meat or cheese.
Decide on a word, or words, you will use consistently as the command that lets the dog know to drop an item from its mouth. Examples include "Drop it," "Give," and "Release," but feel free to come up with whatever works best for you. The command should be short so that you can say it quickly, and you must always use the same word(s) in a firm, low tone. Don't issue the command in a stern, punishing tone or the dog may react negatively and refuse to release the object.
Give the dog the treat as soon as it drops the object or releases it. Praise the dog in a happy, higher tone of voice, just as you would if you were playing a game and the dog did what was expected. Pick the object up and hide it behind your back so it is out of sight on a temporary basis.
Repeat this exercise several times on the first day. As the dog learns the command over time, gradually eliminate the treat or give him the treat on a random basis. An example of a random strategy is to give your dog a treat and praise him after successful attempt #1, to praise him only after successful attempts #2 and #3 -- giving him no treats -- and to give him a treat after successful attempt #4. This is a helpful transition if your dog isn't yet motivated to drop the item without a treat reward. You may choose any pattern as far as when to give the treat and when to withhold it and offer only praise. The key is keeping the dog interested and motivated to do well every time you practice. Not knowing after which attempt the treat is coming should serve as an excellent motivator. Eventually, the dog will release any object on command, but always continue to praise the dog when it obeys, even if the command was mastered years prior.