Things You'll Need
- Treats
Instructions
Choose a treat that your dog likes better than the bone. For example, choose small pieces of beef or chicken. When your dog has the bone in its mouth, hold the treat close to its nose and say, "Drop it." When the dog opens its mouth to take the treat and drops the bone, give it the treat immediately. Continue this several times so that the dog gets the idea of what "drop it" means.
Repeat the same process, but do not hold the treat next to the dog's nose. Simply say the command with the treat in the dog's sight. Wait until the dog drops the bone before praising it and giving the treat. If the dog does not drop the bone, go back to the first step. If it does, repeat this several times.
Continue practicing the "drop it" command, but only giving the dog a treat about half the time that it drops the bone. Simply give verbal praise the other half of the times.
Practice with the dog until it drops his bone (or any other item) on command, with or without a treat incentive.