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How can I teach my dog to drop something he shouldn't have safely?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 23 lbs

Tach a dog to drop what is in his mouth.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on May 19th, 2017

It's usually quite easy to teach your dog to drop what's in his mouth on cue! :) I would recommend starting with a toy for practice. When he has the toy in his mouth, say "drop it!" in a cheerful voice, and hold a tasty treat in front of his nose. He should drop the toy quite easily to get the treat. When he does, pick up the toy and let him have the treat. Praise him, and give the toy back. Repeat this as many times as needed, until he happily drops the toy as soon as you say "drop it!", without needing to see the treat first. Make sure that you are still rewarding him with a treat every time after he drops the toy, or else he will learn to ignore you unless he sees the treat first. Once he is good at this with his toy, you can start to practice with other things. When he picks up something he shouldn't have, say "drop it!" and reward with a treat when he does what you ask.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on November 7th, 2016

    Great question! The easiest way is to start with a toy for practice - something that he will pick up readily, but also let go of without much trouble. When he has the toy in his mouth, say "drop it!" in a cheerful tone and hold a treat in front of his nose. Most dogs will drop the toy to eat the treat, so praise and reward when he does. Practice this until he drops the toy eagerly as soon as you ask, without needing to see the treat first. Make sure to still reward him, though, since we want this behavior to be very reliable! Once he's got the idea, you can carry treats with you on walks or at other times when he may pick up things he shouldn't - if he does, just say "drop it!" and be ready to reward with a treat as soon as he does what you ask.

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