How to Train Your Dog to DROP It: Step-by-Step Tutorial

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

If you've enjoyed this video please like, comment & share 🙂 It really helps! 🙋‍♀️COMPLETE DOG TRAINING SOLUTIONS: •❓🤨 STRUGGLING WITH LEASH TRAINING? 👇 ✅ 6 Weeks to Dream Walks: Step-By-Step Leash Training Program: e37240-61.myshopify.com/products/6-weeks-to-dream-walks-step-by-step-leash-training-program •❓🐿️ STRUGGLING WITH YOUR DOG CHASING ANIMALS (indoors or outdoors)?👇 ✅ Dog Prey Drive: How to STOP Animal Chasing: e37240-61.myshopify.com/products/dog-prey-drive-how-to-stop-animal-chasing-with-force-free-methods ►👀 WATCH NEXT: ✔️ How to Train Leave It: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q57XYZ18brJ7m6s ✔️ What is a Marker Word? kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2WaZ6Ztjqapndk ✔️ How to Choose High Value Treat: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYmliJmPasuUqLM ✔️ How to Train "Stay" (also featuring Brooks): kzbin.info/www/bejne/npPWaKyvpqtliNE ✔️ How to Train "Play Dead" (also featuring Brooks): kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5DKhZKpo9KnhpI ► 🗣️ STAY CONNECTED: • Instagram (my most active platform): instagram.com/happyhounds_dogtraining/ • Facebook: facebook.com/HappyHoundsDogTraining.ca • Blog: happyhoundsdogtraining.ca/blog/ • Email list: view.flodesk.com/pages/61898eeb3a0e5bcf6f5411ec ►❤️ FAVOURITE DOG GEAR: ➡️ *ALL* my favourite dog items & discount codes: happyhoundsdogtraining.ca/shop 🧸 Amazing faux & real fur toys: www.tug-e-nuff.co.uk/?ref=happyhoundsdogtraining 🐕‍🦺 My favourite harness & dog gear: rockymountaindog.ca/?ref=ka8S8Xue 🦴 My favourite treat bag: amzn.to/3UUGF60 🦮 Beautiful custom biothane leashes (I use the hands-free version): www.hightailhikes.com?aff=212 Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content.

[@SSS-sd1cf]

3:41 I love this one soooo much.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Me too hahahaha. So accurate 😂

[@racheljones3498]

Love this video. My deaf 18 month old struggles with drop it and this gave me a great training plan to start with him.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thanks, I’m so glad it could help! ❤️

[@amymbeauty8765]

This was actually brilliantly simple. I realize I DO interchangeably use "drop" and "leave it" and this is a great way to retrain both commands for better success! Thanks!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You're welcome! Using the two cues interchangeably is such a common mistake 🙂 I think you'll notice how much better both work when the "meaning" is separated!

[@LynxyWolf]

I have a dog who likes to run away when you tell him to drop it, this helped a lot! He’s still getting the hang of it but he’s learning quickly

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Amazing!! So glad it’s helping 😊

[@NannyH251]

Thank you, Thank you. After watching this video, I tried this method on my nine month old blue heeler, which I could not get to drop anything. In just one short afternoon, he's dropping things and letting me have them like a pro. I just can't believe the different. Thank you so much!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

AMAZING!! Comments like this are exactly why I take the time to make these free tutorials 🥰 So glad it helped! Thank you for taking the time to come back and let me know 😊

[@reyasaint]

Getting a puppy in 2 months and just trying to learn as much as i can, this was excellent. I feel like i understand why and how to do this. Thanks for the great videos!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You’re welcome! I’m impressed you’re watching videos before even getting the puppy 👏 You’ll be miles ahead!

[@5ebrambila]

I'm excited for your new puppy and glad to hear you're being a responsible pet parent and watching videos beforehand. I did the same thing and it helped so much! I got my puppy in April 🥰🐾

[@cricketnylund7329]

I like the way your not using dogs that have years of training already. I’m getting ready to get a rescue who is with lots of other dogs rough housing all day, so I’m hoping he’ll be calm from the get go and I can get him trained . I trained my lab many years ago but I had her from 12 weeks. My new guy is 1 yr going to be quite the challenge he’s not a lab . Enjoyed your video Cricket

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you so much! I feel like it’s much more helpful to watch dogs genuinely learn the skills versus just demonstrating what they already know how to do. Best of luck training your new dog! ❤️

[@GillTaylor-n5p]

Thank you I am watching your videos and they all are brilliant, I have seen much progress through training your way, keep going please! Don't be put off by negative comments. 😊

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you SO much! Kind feedback like this means a lot to me 🙂 Knowing the videos are helpful really encourages me to keep creating more ♥

[@KristineB-he2mr]

Great video! This will be very helpful ☺️ we’ve had the issue of chicken bones being found on walks as well, and have issues with “drop it” for them. I was wondering how to compete with something so high value to her, particularly when it can also be dangerous for her to eat, so thank you for touching on that! Also thanks for the reminder between drop and leave it as well, I’m definitely guilty of getting those two mixed up!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thanks for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment! Very appreciated 🙂 I tried to make a list of allllll the struggles I've seen with training drop over the years. It's a tricky cue!

[@clarewillison9379]

Love the graphics which added to the clear message and kept my (easily distracted) attention. Training humans first is key 😉😊

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Haha I’m quite confident I personally have adhd, so I try to present things in ways that I personally could focus on & learn from 😊

[@eisirt55]

Excellent . Very clear. Easy steps and well paced instruction.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@aliciabrillante]

This video is incredibly helpful and I am going to try it! Thanks so much for giving this expert advice for free!!!! I point adopters and volunteers at the shelter working with their dogs to your videos.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You're welcome!! Thank you for sharing the videos 😊

[@uzzellart]

Wonderful video, thank you for sharing your expertise. I am looking forward to trying this with our rescue Foster dog.Your videos are clean, clear and easy to follow. Keep up the great work. We are fostering a rescue dog who hasn't been taught anything, we have managed sit, stay, etc and he is brilliant and wants to learn. He is destructive in the house as he is terrified of the outside at the moment. We have been desensitizing him to noises whilst playing games and training indoors and we know that getting rid of his energy on a walk and getting him to realize how wonderful that can be will be a real game changer. We have been practicing putting the harness on and making it fun, but we have trouble getting him out of the house as he is terrified. When we have managed, he just lunges at other houses to get back to safety, do you have any videos that could help us? We are desperate to make his walks something wonderful that he will look forward to.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

It's hard to offer advice without knowing the dog/situation, but the noise desensitization would've been one of my suggestions so glad you're doing that! This video might also help you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaWQl5iop9uontU. It's a pattern game I used with Louie (who was scared to go outside on walks)

[@JustMeELC]

Just rescued a smart 4 month old bundle of energy who does try at times & I think your approach will be very helpful. Really appreciate your clear step by step common sense approach & what to do when you hit roadblocks!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! 😊

[@bmrbca3658]

Thanks. Great tip to bring a toy with to train on walks.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gordonprice695]

Great differentiation for the two behaviors. And I will definitely be trying to focus on drop to the floor more. I have been doing it with treats as you show, while on walks with shelter dogs, and it works great. One thing I have liked is using Please/Budlashka as my cue. Kind of a reminder to myself it IS a request. In the same way that my Opportunity Marker on walks, for behavior I appreciate but not asking for anything specific to follow is a simple Thank You/Dyakuyu. It reinforces the appreciation aspect for myself.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I love that! I think it's SO important to remember that all these skills we teach our dogs are still requests 🙂❤

[@patty8874]

Great tip on teaching to drop to the ground--I've taught to drop in my hand 🤦‍♀️

[@patty8874]

Great tip on teaching to drop to the ground--I've taught to drop in my hand: is there a recommended way to switch?

[@gracenoel373]

Thank you! Very helpful video!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You're welcome! I'm so glad it was helpful 🙂

[@cheryldurham297]

Thank you for the training tips. You do it very well. "YES" !!!🤩

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Bahaha that made me smile 🙂 Thank you!

[@cheryldurham297]

I thought it might!!! 🐺🐕🐈‍⬛

[@celticwelsh]

Your videos are so, so good. I love how you explain everything. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you so much!

[@dianehuey1]

I can’t wait to try this with my dog. The way you broke it down into steps makes so much sense!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I’m so glad you liked it! Happy training ☺️

[@prideisreal9461]

Question! What if my dog is outsmarting me? She use to do drop it AMAZINGLY but, now when I say “drop it” she’ll walk over to me, drop the object as CLOSE to her feet as possible to get her reward, and try to grab the object she just drop right after unless I pick it up and THROW the object off into the sunset. I’m fine doing this when it’s a rock but sometimes she grabs really gross stuff I don’t want to have to race to grab from her.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

If you followed the method of training drop I show in this video (where the reward can be placed on the ground after the dog drops) I would actually suggest throwing the reward slightly away from you/the dropped item after she drops it. Gets her far enough away from the gross stuff that you can then just continue with your walk without her trying to re grab it 🙂

[@bwk10]

Brooks is identical to my GSD pup, they're so smart that it scares me sometimes. Gonna train him this command on the weekend! Thanks a bunch

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You’re welcome! ☺️

[@LukaJane]

Thanks for the videos. I like the way you explain the training techniques, including what motivates dogs & how their brains work.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You’re welcome! Glad you enjoy them 😊

[@darrowprairie]

I'm so grateful for your videos! The way you teach is so clear and accessible, and helpful to see realistic examples of progression!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

So glad that you like them! 🙂

[@susantague6519]

I love your calm demeanor.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you 😊

[@lifewithkristeni]

Thank you for this video! Me and my husband have been using these techniques the past two days and it's helped a lot already.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You're welcome, so glad it's been helpful!

[@DonnaLoMonaco]

Thank you for these training tips. I look forward to using them on my puppy.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@tinyspex]

Thank you! This is very helpful, clearly presented, and doesn't leave anything out! Thank you so much!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You're so welcome!

[@SilverDraco]

I was just thinking yesterday that I needed to find out how to train my male mutt this skill. Thank you!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Happy to help!

[@MbM-xz9zf]

This video came up pretty randomly as a suggestion so I took it as a sign that I should be watching it. Thank you i got alot out of this. I would just say, for me, there are times I feel you need to speak slower. I've needed to go back and replay parts to understand you...I really liked the distinction made between leave and drop..Really interesting. I do dog walking and have thought about getting into training. Please consider doing one about a dog that will suddenly stop on the walk and not budge. I'm sure there's probably a number of reasons why but it does seem sometimes that certain dogs will suddenly decide to test you lol.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment on a video you found randomly! The encouragement is really helpful. The fast talking is something I'm actively working on 😂 I usually add close captioning to my videos just in case as well, but haven't had the chance to subtitle this one yet. Your video idea for stopping on walks is great! I might have the perfect clients dog to film it with already too.

[@jenniferhunt8069]

Great video! I appreciate all the techniques and explanations. Not too long and very helpful!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@keithlivingston6973]

This is a really good break down thank you!!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

So glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@PatMartel-vm5gt]

These are great videos

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you so much! 🙂

[@leoandrews1696]

Fabulous tutorial. Loving the format. Keep up the good work.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you so much!! I try to present things in a way that's easy to follow along 🙂 Glad you like it!

[@acyborgtrickstergrope]

Great video. Please can you do more on prey drive management

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you! And yes, I have another video on prey drive that you can watch here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2inaqd7aZWrpac

[@LukaJane]

I’m going to rescue a shelter dog that I don’t know a whole lot about. She knows sit and is treat motivated. After establishing trust, what’s the first skill I should train? Walking w/o pulling? Leave it? Or both? I have a cat so I’ll have to train the new dog to leave the cat alone as soon as possible but don’t want to overwhelm her. Thanks?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Oof that’s impossible to answer without knowing her struggles, age, or your goals. BUT one underrated skill I think everyone should focus on is teaching dogs neutrality. Makes walks way more enjoyable and can help prevent leash reactivity! Dog Pulls Towards Other Dogs? Try THIS to Walk Past With a Loose Leash kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4CUpmaKaN-GaK8

[@denisseespaillat]

Extremely helpful

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I’m so glad! 😊

[@kspringer7643]

This is a great video and I so appreciate it....but I do have a question. How long do you work on step 1 before moving to step 2? Are we talking days or weeks? Or, do you work on step 1 for a while in a training session, and if the dog is "getting it", then move onto step 2 in the same training session? Thank you!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! The latter 😊 I find most dogs don’t need long on step 1!

[@swscott10]

Thank you! I will be starting this soon!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Awesome! Happy training 😊

[@shlomi6326]

great video !!! TNX!!!!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You’re welcome! Glad you liked it 😊

[@jonkennedy1771]

THANKS so much, this was so helpful

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You're so welcome!

[@rebeccaabraham9045]

Do you have to keep rewarding long after they've been trained?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

If you want the cue to stay strong, yes! The 3 cues I continue rewarding are drop it, leave it, and recall (since all 3 mean we're asking our dog to give up/leave something of interest)

[@santabros2]

Another amazing video. Can’t wait to try this.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you!!

[@hazelspark9335]

Great video. Thank you 😊

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Glad you liked it! 🙃

[@007tejka]

How would you suggest we respond when the dog doesn't want to drop it because the item is too valuable to them (still learning in the real world where my 7 month old pup often finds bones, meat, bread...) and I need to remove it out of their mouth out of fear of poisons but the pup displays resource guarding issues and bites me. I'll continue practising with her but don't know how to react without pushing her after she bites. Thank you!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

If your pup is already resource guarding to the point of biting at 7 months I'd definitely take that as a red flag that needs immediate attention! Does she have a long history of things being taken from her, or harsher methods being used to get things from her? I've filmed a whole series on resource guarding with some of my bitey clients, but I'm behind on editing/uploading due to pregnancy lol. I'll link this quick blog post: happyhoundsdogtraining.ca/what-is-resource-guarding-and-how-do-you-prevent-it/ but I would encourage you to pursue 1:1 training. In the mean time using an anti-scavenge muzzle on walks (so that she can't pick up items & guard them) is a good management option!

[@useemehere2]

i will try this to my puppy and hoping this will work

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Hope it helps! 🙂

[@DA_MIAN_IS_HERE]

Hi thank you for the video. My puppy doesnt eat from the ground, we managed to make it like that since she was vacuuming everything on the streets. So, instead of scattering on the ground, shall I offer on my hand ?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

If you’ve trained her not to eat from the ground yes I think handing the treat could be a good alternative 😊

[@earles1230]

Thank you! This has been user helpful!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@avermontlife]

How did you train the shepherd to play dead at :53?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I filmed a tutorial for that with her actually. Thanks for reminding me that I should add a link in the video 🙂 You can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5DKhZKpo9KnhpI

[@marinapitsonis2865]

Hi,Love the video. As a trainer, I teach swop and leave it. With "Drop it"- would dogs get this cue mixed with drop-as in lie down? Cheers Marina

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I always say the nice thing is that dogs don’t understand English, so we can use whatever words we want as long as we’re consistent. You could use “banana” to mean “drop”, and as long as it’s conditioned properly it would work 😂 I personally use “drop” for drop it, “down” for lie down, and “off” for jumping off something like a couch. If you use “drop” as lie down then I wouldn’t use “drop it” for removing something from the mouth because it would definitely get confusing!

[@SJ-le2vc]

​@@happyhoundsdogtrainingI use the same queues for the same purposes!

[@CakewalkHootenanny]

I have done all of this to the letter with my field Lab Retreiver. He will cooperate and drop it following a command for 1-10 times and then he suddenly decides to hold onto it and he will not drop it for anything. Not a substitute stick or ball. Not for kibble, not for meat, not for being put in the garage. Not for abruptly ending the game. Not for scolding him (I don't do this anymore). Once he decides he is going to hold onto it there are no higher value items, even though he is usually very food driven. He will go off in the yard and lie down and chew on the item. He began eating tennis balls whole so now we only try to fetch with sticks. Any suggestions?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Few things I want to clarify reading this & I'll mix suggestions in as I type: - When you say he'll drop it 1-10 times, what is "it"? A toy? A chewie? If you're struggling with a particular item, I'd rehearse with something of lower value to him. - It's possible he's just getting bored of the practice if asked too many times in a row. Perhaps decrease reps per session, but do an extra session a day. - Definitely stop scolding him! In many cases it just makes the dog LESS willing to give up their treasured item. - Remember that trying to pursue him when he takes off with something can actually encourage the holding behaviour. For some dogs, that "keep away' game is more rewarding than food!

[@CakewalkHootenanny]

Thanks for your response, I do appreciate your ideas. To clarify, I am asking him to drop his retrieving item. Tennis ball or stick, or Kong or rubber stick. He will retrieve it and drop it 1-10 times an d then suddenly wants to hold onto it. I tried scolding him once after I tried everything else I could think of. It didn't work so I don't do that, nor do I chase him. I just stop playing and walk away .@@happyhoundsdogtraining

[@shilly-shally64]

Maybe he's telling you, in the only way he can, that he doesn't want to do any more retrieves. If he gives it back, you're just going to throw it again. Rather than disappointing you by not retrieving the item, he withholds the item. So sweet, bless him! Good luck and best wishes

[@CakewalkHootenanny]

@@shilly-shally64 I appreciate you weighing in. this theory doesn't explain why he is absolutely crazy excited about the first 10 retrieves. He is bonkers when he sees the retrieving item. Also, interestingly, he will drop his bumper when in the water. He is also extremely keen on swimming and retrieving.

[@SJ-le2vc]

He doesn't like your game. He doesn't think it's very fun. And you're practicing it too long for his attention span. You need to make yourself more interesting. And probably shorten training sessions. And practice with other items in other situations. It can't just be his bumpers and playing fetch. You'll want to do it with other items and do it inside. If he's only interested for a short while then you either need to stop or, my suggestion is to make the item more interesting. How? Dogs want what they can't have. So take the toy and play around with it like it's the most fun item ever, and just play with it by yourself and don't let him have it. Or play keep away from him. It'll make him more interested in the item. Additionally, he doesn't seem to trust you'll return the item to him, so he's keeping it away from you because he wants to sit and chew on it. Find a dull item, like I said, and make it interesting. It doesn't have to be interesting, you just have to make him think it's interesting. My field lab was the master at the bait and switch. I watched him do it to do many other dogs, it was hilarious you could see the wheels turning in his head trying to figure out how to get that he wanted and he'd decide he'd find a toy he didn't much care for and make it interesting to another dog, the dog would drop my boy's desired object and steal the one my boy made interesting, and my boy could then go get the toy he actually wanted. Honestly, spend more time watching your dog and see how he thinks about things. You can learn a lot about how to teach him by watching how he does stuff with you and other animals. You have to speak his language. Also, your treats don't sound high enough value for him not to give up his item. Coupled with you not practicing with lower value items.

[@alanaglickman5358]

Hi! I love your videos and your method to dog training! I have been training my puppy to release an item into my hand, but I love the idea of teaching to drop on the floor instead. My puppy doesn't really seem to hold anything in his mouth for long though but rather lays on the ground to chew items. Do you have any suggestions for specific item that might work well to have him practice drop it? He does take sticks and woodchips in his mouth outside, but I would rather use something safer.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thanks, I'm so glad you love them! 🙂 How old is your puppy? Sometimes really young pups get distracted or bored of training quite quickly, so first suggestion is depending on age I'd only aim for a couple successful reps per session, and quit before your pup seems bored. Next I'd probably try a hybrid approach. I'd start with practicing the drop cue when he's laying down chewing something semi-boring but safe like a nylabone. In between reps give him time to re-settle and get re-interested in the bone before cueing again. Then I'd work up to a higher value item like a bully stick. Once you've conditioned the cue a bit, it could also be valuable to incorporate the training into a game of tug so he's practicing reps while standing up too!

[@alanaglickman5358]

Thanks for your reply! He is 3 months old. I thought he was understanding drop it when I was training him to drop a toy or sock when we were both holding onto it, but it’s really hit or miss and I think half the time it is a coincidence that the item falls out of his mouth lol. Thanks for your suggestions!!

[@BarbaraM-u1e]

How long do I stay on step 1 before moving on to the next and then the third? Do we do all three steps the first day or over a period of time? Thanks. Very informative videos.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Good question! Every dog will learn at a different rate so it's difficult to give tailored advice online, but I often rehearse ~10 reps of step 1, then move on to step 2 (same day). Next day warm up with those again, and if your dog is ready, then try step 3.

[@BarbaraM-u1e]

@@happyhoundsdogtraining thanks. I realize every dog is different, but this gives us an idea of how to proceed.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

There's a blog version of the steps linked in the caption too 😊 Can be a helpful summary as you work through the training!

[@mattrottman6650]

Can we train drop it and leave it at the same time? Or would you suggest focusing on just one of the commands for a few weeks before moving on to the next? I have a 4 year old retriever mix that's just ok at both, but definitely need to seriously improve both

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You absolutely can train them at the same time, but I do find guardians often have more success if they focus on one skill at a time. Personally I’d spend a week or so mastering the “beginner”version of leave it (kzbin.info/www/bejne/q57XYZ18brJ7m6s), the next week solidifying drop it, then wrap up with advanced leave it training: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2K4p5eCaZJmeJo

[@mattrottman6650]

@@happyhoundsdogtraining Awesome, thanks! My pooch is well past the indoor training phase. He's perfect indoors. It's when we get outside where it breaks down, specifically when he's on the longer lead and I can't get to him in time to remove things from his mouth if he doesn't drop.

[@abbey1978-h7o]

How do I sign up for training online and what is cost.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Hey! I’m not sure if you mean virtual training or my online guides? I’m currently on maternity leave so I’m not taking new virtual clients, but I do have these online resources: e37240-61.myshopify.com/

[@aslrunner]

Any tips for a dog who will drop it then as you go to pick up the item he grabs it again?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

If you followed the method of training drop I show in this video (where the reward can be placed on the ground after the dog drops) I would actually suggest throwing the reward slightly away from you/the dropped item after he drops it. This gets him far enough away from the item that you have time to get it. Teaching a solid "leave it" cue to use as backup would help too (how I train leave it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2K4p5eCaZJmeJo)

[@Stress-relief-insights]

Thankyou ❤

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You’re welcome, glad you liked it ☺️

[@barbkurnick9033]

Helpful!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Thank you!

[@Jeremy-am]

Thank you, excellent :)

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

You're very welcome 🙂

[@tneher2538]

Do you have any videos about dogs constantly stealing? Mini rant, but, my dog is 1 1/2 years and a rescue. But the last month, he is stealing everything all the time. Clothes, food, any item I just had in my hand (the other day it was Scissors!). I have watched your drop it and leave it videos multiple times, and he has greatly improved in being responsive to those commands but I am often not fast enough with "leave it" and he is often on the look out for things he can steal. I have two young kids and I try to make sure that he is getting enough exercise and attention. I am a little bit on my wits ends trying to figure out how to stop him from stealing and shredding things. I've tried ignoring so he understand that stealing doesn't get my attention but he is taking dangerous things (like scissors) or he shreds things. I've tried management, where I am giving him less opportunities by making sure things are put away, but I have kids and sometimes when he is somewhere I thought was safe, he finds something to steal anyways. Anyways, I love your videos and am trying to figure out if I am implementing them incorrectly or if there is more I could be doing. Thanks!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I have a video on counter surfing/food stealing that should give you an idea how to address it, BUT with him stealing dangerous items like scissors I’d also suggest having an in-person trainer observe and assess him. It’s worth finding out if it’s a demand behaviour, in which case you’d address it differently! Dog Steals Food? Try THIS Method to Fix COUNTER SURFING kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3uQd3qIerSfqLM

[@tneher2538]

Thank you. Also what does demand behaviour mean?

[@tneher2538]

​@@happyhoundsdogtrainingThank you. Also what does demand behaviour mean?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Demand behaviours are something dogs learn to do to get a reinforcer. For example, pawing at someone or barking = attention, so it's "rewarded". Once they learn the sequence they start repeating the initial behaviour in order to get what they want. Your dog might be stealing things because he knows it'll get him attention!

[@ytfamily000]

My dog won't take any low value items for step 2. I've rubbed the treats (cheese or chicken) on them but he justs licks it off. And waits for more of step 1 free treats. Any suggestions?

[@kspringer7643]

I have exactly the same problem, very food-oriented dog and as soon as he realized there were rewards involved became focused on my hands. Won't pick up a toy no matter what I rub on it. Smarty pants dog, sigh.

[@ytfamily000]

@@kspringer7643 The other day he was playing with his toys and I said drop it and he did. And then treats started. So he got the concept, so keep trying. Split up the training I guess.

[@kspringer7643]

@@ytfamily000 Yes! I was thinking I just need to always have treats in my pocket and so at least the first time he picks up a toy I can work with him. Good luck!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I noticed in the comments below you already solved this! Yes, I'd just be ready for impromptu training when he is holding something OR practice with higher value items instead (if that works for him)

[@bonniehigh-rl2ov]

My dog is so food happy, he constraints on the treat. He will knock me over to get the treat in my hand or pouch. What to do?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

The first step of this video & teaching some impulse control should really help! How to Train Your Dog to LEAVE IT: Complete Beginner's Guide kzbin.info/www/bejne/q57XYZ18brJ7m6s

[@michellededmon6711]

I am trying to charge my clicker with my four month old puppy. What do you do if, when I click, and drop the treat, she would rather lay on the floor and play with the treat and pounce on it, and bark at it instead of eating it???

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Just to clarify- are you trying to load the clicker during drop training, or separately? I usually suggest loading the clicker or marker word for 2-3 days independent of training, and I put the treat right into the dogs mouth during that😊 Puppies love to play so that’s quite normal, but usually a higher value treat should also help!

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Added to that: if you’re clicking because your pup HAS listened to the drop cue and then you’re putting the treat on the floor, I wouldn’t worry too much! If she’s having fun playing with the treat rather than eating it, she’s still being reinforced for listening to your cue haha

[@michellededmon6711]

@@happyhoundsdogtraining thank you so much for your response! I have never had a puppy as strong willed and determined not listen to me as this one!

[@melissafisher7731]

What happens if the dog doesn't want to put the toy in his mouth and is hyper focused on the treats?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Good question! Few suggestions to try: - Use a higher value item for dropping... example a chewie rather than a toy for practice - Make sure the training treats aren't visible to distract your dog - Wait longer in between drop cueing (so if using chewie, wait for your dog to go back to it before you practice again) - Try using a lower value reward if your dog is still really distracted!

[@fabifabi9677]

I think this will work with my dog

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

☺️ Good luck!

[@aquamedic8857]

when you said to start with nothing in the mouth, then mentioned conditioning and the importance. The Ivan light bulb went off.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I’m so glad! I always get strange looks when I suggest starting with an empty mouth, but it REALLY helps with speed and preventing that deliberation process of the dog deciding later whether they “should” release an item 😊

[@byHille]

I can’t get my dog to put anything in his mouth for training, cause as soon as he smells the treats, that’s all he focuses on 😏

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Tricky guy haha. I'd make sure your dog is good with Step 1, then start doing impromptu training sessions when you catch your dog with things (toys, chews, etc) in his mouth at home. It helps to keep a little treat pouch on you for a week so that you can do a training rep each time you notice it! Also, I rarely suggest this, but you can also try using a lower value treat reward during training to see if that distracts him less (then increase the value of the reward as you practice with harder items).

[@byHille]

@@happyhoundsdogtraining Thank you so much, that sounds like a good idea, I’ll try that 😃🥰

[@SJ-le2vc]

​@@happyhoundsdogtrainingto add on to this, you don't HAVE to treat with food. Particularly if your dog isn't super food driven. You can try to get your dog to be food driven (I've watched videos and seen how this has been a thing, but I honestly don't love my animals being super food driven.) Your dog may prefer a different kind of reward. I used affection and praise as much as possible for my pup, and he responded well to it. He liked food treats, sometimes, but his reward, once he got older and I had trained him to fetch was for me to throw his tennis ball and for him to retrieve. That was his high value reward. (Except chicken seemed to be almost as highly rewarding, but no dog treats were.) I could treat him with his kibble when he was really little and he was happy with it. But again, I did as much as I could with just praise and attention/affection, and saved other rewards for things that required higher rewards. He responded well to all of them, and was good with praise/attention, but like I said, if I needed him to do something important, we'd practice with the ball or chicken. (Chicken actually made him more neurotic and he was sometimes so obsessed that his brain would blitz out and he had no idea what to do. Fetch was better because he loved to retrieve, but it wasn't *as* distracting as chicken. We'd do agility course stuff (honestly to keep me from getting bored,) and if he did the item correctly or well, or he thought he did, he'd tag up at my side and get ready for me to use the chuck-it to throw his ball. If he did it right I'd throw it. If he didn't, I'd have him correct his action (usually before he got to tag up and reward himself, I would do immediate corrections,) and then if he completed the cycle, I'd chuck the ball. And he loved it. But I did sorta teach him to drop the ball with treats. Once he realized that he enjoyed fetch, it worked much better. (He liked going after items but not returning them at first when he was really little, so if he dropped the item prematurely, I'd make him go back and get it and then give it to me where I wanted it (either "hand it" to me, or "here" meaning he had to drop it at my feet. If he didn't I'd pretend I couldn't reach it and be like "nope, sorry, I can't reach it!" And he figured it out. He figured out that the ball had to be at my feet (annoyingly he enjoyed setting it on my foot/shoe instead of next to it, but I was picking my battles,) or I wouldn't throw it again. If he didn't return it to me, I'd pretend I didn't see it and go "where is it? I don't see it?" And he'd try to toss it at me or be like "it's over there, close enough." But I held fast. If he didn't return it to where I wanted it, I wouldn't continue throwing it. I wouldn't go get it. (Unless we were done then, and I went to put it up, out of reach.) He learned to signal the was done by going to lay down with his ball and not bringing it back to me (he'd rest awhile and when he was ready to resume, he'd bring the ball back to my feet.) If I was done, I'd take the ball and put it away. If he was continuing to retrieve and I wanted to stop, I'd tell him "last one," and throw it and we'd go in. Unless he was likely to take that to mean he could go do whatever he liked without listening. Then I'd just make him bring it back and say "all done" after I secured the ball, because he was much more likely to listen and follow me if I had the ball. If he had the ball, he didn't think he had to listen necessarily. (It changed over time, but that's how it started.)

[@debmalcolm57]

There is no such thing as a lower value great...my lab x pup loves all food! Oh well I will try catching him with things in his mouth and see if that works. 🙂

[@sbennett891]

❤

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

😊

[@SSS-sd1cf]

My dog is obsessed with tennisballs from other dogs but not so much with his OWN tennisballs and he would swallow them which is of course not what we want as dog owners. I wonder if it's the smell of from other dogs which makes them so much more interesting than his own tennisballs or what. Sometimes I get the chance to take tennisballs from other dogs back home to practice with and it really helps. It's like 6/10 chance to get him to drop a tennisball outside the house (10/10 inside the house). He also loves things like gloves and socks that he finds outside the house but never shows any interest in MY gloves and socks, which I find somehow funny. I am grussing it's something to do with the prey drive. What do you think?

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Are other dogs around when he steals them, or just random ones he finds on walks? If they're just items he finds, it's likely the mix of extra smell and novelty. Other dogs toys/items are always more exciting than their own 😂 Bringing them home to practice is SO smart though!!

[@SSS-sd1cf]

He steals tennisballs from other dogs that's right. He wouldldn't want to share once he has them. Luckily he never gets into fight with other dogs because of that, which I've witnessed with other dogs before. That's one of the reasons why I find it so important for my dog te learn from the beginning cues like 'leave it' and 'drop it'. He finds lots tennisballs on walks too. We now have a full basket of his trophies (free!) to practice with. Very nice. @@happyhoundsdogtraining

[@SSS-sd1cf]

Hi, my dog steals tennisballs from other dogs that's right. And he would not want to share if he has them. Luckily he never gets into a fight because of that, which I've witnessed with other dogs before. That's one of the reaosns why I find it so important that my dog learns from the begining the cues like ' leave it' and 'drop it'. My dog finds tennisballs on walks too. He is a real tennisball detector. We now have a FULL basket of his trophies (free!) to practice with. Very nice. @@happyhoundsdogtraining

[@SJ-le2vc]

He wants what he can't have (or isn't supposed to have.) It also sounds like he really is trying to get other animals to chase him by stealing their items so he can play keep away and have them chase and try to steal the item back. He's likely not interested in your items because you don't make it as fun for him to steal. You're not chasing him. Or you're not fast enough to make it interesting for him. He's taking their items to get their attention. He has access to his items and your stuff, so it's not fun.

[@SSS-sd1cf]

@@SJ-le2vc He growls when other dogs try to get the tennis ball in his mouth so I’m pretty sure he’s not trying to get other dogs to chase him. He just wants to keep the ball to himself, tear and eat it. Thanks for the reply.

[@Lewis11922]

That little devil dog 😂

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Dezzi is full of spice 😂😂😂

[@carolwold3096]

😊

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

☺️

[@abbey1978-h7o]

If you are in a walk, and dog picks up an acorn or seed and you want them to drop it do you throw the reward on the ground.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I start the initial training by placing the treat on the ground, but progress to offering the reward from my hand in exchange for the dog dropping the item on the ground 😊

[@SJ-le2vc]

@happyhoundsdogtraining - I know this is an older video, but if you haven't already, please get your thyroid checked. It looks like you may have goiter, and that can be very serious, but can also be treated, usually very easily. Please don't take this meanly. I'm just worried that it could be not great and want to to get help. If you've done that, then disregard. You're beautiful and fantastic, I'm just worried about the signs I'm seeing. I wouldn't say anything if I weren't really concerned.

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

Interesting haha. Is there a particular timecode that made you worried about that? Thanks for the concern, but I assure you my thyroid is totally fine!

[@missandreafriends8532]

this was wonderful. so clearly laid out thank you. I am looking forward to training my new 4 month old cavapu

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

So glad it was helpful! I hope it goes well with your new pup!