You bring home a ball of fluff, and your life changes for the better instantly! We all can agree that dogs make our lives so much better and worth living. But when you bring home a pup, you might immediately wonder why you should give him training. Just like human beings, dogs have different personalities, and dog training can build confidence, strengthen the human-animal bond, and stimulate mental and physical growth. Efficient dog training is necessary for transforming your little fluff ball into a lifelong member of your family. If you are searching for dog training classes in Lehi, make sure to find someone who can train your dog through positive reinforcement.
Why is it important to teach the “drop it” command to your dog?
Some dogs could be reluctant to give up items, especially if they are exciting or extremely compelling. This makes it challenging to play games and keep them active like fetch. Sometimes it can be detrimental in games like tug-of-war with your dog if he constantly “wins” and refuses to let go of the item he is holding. In fact, some dogs are so aggressively protective of certain items. The “give it” or “drop it” commands may thus be quite helpful for playing with your dogs in a pleasant and productive way as well as for retrieving objects that your pet shouldn’t be in possession of.
You can remove harmful things from your dog’s reach with the “drop it” command without having to chase after them. In reality, since most dogs like playing chase, doing this will simply enhance the probability that your dog may in the future steal something prohibited. This can make them quickly realize that it’s a terrific approach to begin what they perceive to be a game they can play with you. Running after your dog increases the possibility that they might end up just sitting on the item to keep you from grabbing it first. Even non-toxic objects may cause intestinal blocks or turn out to be choking hazards.
Tips for teaching the “drop it” command to your dog:
- Trade a toy for a treat: Say “drop it” to your dog when they are playing with a toy in their mouth, and then give them a reward right away and do not wait for them to open their mouth on their own. The dog must drop the goodie before it can swallow it. Play again when they have finished eating. Repeat a minimum of five times.
- Play a game: Take a seat on the floor and gather up a variety of your dog’s favorite objects and toys. Engage them in play with a toy they like but aren’t fixated on! Then begin a simple tug-of-war match. Wait for your dog to release the toy from their mouth, then note the moment and reward them. Show them another reward after that, but throw it a little distance away so you can get the toy. Start a new tug-of-war match with them.
- Say “drop” and wait: If they do, celebrate with a clicker or the phrase “yes, good girl (or boy)” and then give them a treat. Put a goodie in their mouth and swap them for the toy if they won’t open it.
- Pair the action with a verbal cue: Pair your cue with the toy dropping from your dog’s jaws as you both pull on it. Say the cue “drop it” just as your dog is about to drop the toy, and as soon as they do, mark and reinforce.
- Do it in random places: When your dog isn’t in the midst of a play session, try the cue at random. It’s crucial to practice this command in other areas where your dog may play or explore objects on the ground. Go outside or in a separate part of your home, but be sure to choose a location with few outside distractions.
- Use their favorite objects: Use your dog’s favorite toys as reinforcers if they are loved by them. It’s crucial to educate dogs to drop or trade similar goods, which can be swapping something you don’t want them to have for something they can have.
Speaking about training, we all know that dogs might get into things they shouldn’t. From trying to eat garbage and toxic materials to picking up dead animals, oftentimes, your dog doesn’t know the harm such things might cause him. Hence it is very important to teach the “drop it” command during the training process so that your dog drops whatever he is carrying in his mouth immediately. You should also learn the “leave it” command so that he learns to leave certain things alone and not mess with them. The “drop it” command can prevent simple annoyances like stealing your slippers and sometimes prove to be a lifesaver if your dog picks up toxic or dangerous things like expired medicines or chocolate.
