How To Teach Your Dog To Drop A Tug Or Toy On Command

When you know why a dog likes to tug or bite on toys, it's easy to teach them to drop on command. Here are a few simple tips to teach your dog to LET GO while tugging, and eventually drop the tug or toy on command.
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[@rondorazio4921]

Nice to finally see a trainer on KZbin who knows what they're talking about

[@ashleylong-k4f]

Well holy shit. I wish I would have found this video sooner. I had no idea how effective this method was until I literally just tried it with my 7 month old GSD. She immediately let go when I have been trying unsuccessfully up until now to get her to release. Thank you so much!

[@t.l.c.893]

Yes, the same for me and my 6 month old Lab!!! That was amazing.

[@rickbostick-K9training]

As a male, I recommend holding the tug toy off to the side over your thigh instead of right in the middle near the jewels lol. This come from experience, had a dog readjust their teeth and catch me right in junk at the same time NOT fun!!!! I always go over the thigh now. LMAO Live and learn!! Great technique though, been doing this for years! =)

[@bryanherrera604]

😂😂😂 I was wondering how we man should do it , it sure doesn’t look safe for us

[@ranjangurung4442]

Been here. Not a good experience.. had to do a self check in a middle of a busy park 😅🤣

[@bethmckellar6154]

I just came across your channel. It's so nice to see someone understands dog training and keeps it simple for us to learn. We have a 2 year old cocker spaniel who is now refusing to drop anything in its mouth. just clamps down on the item and refuses to let go...ugggg. I've had dogs all my life, all of them have been compliant with dropping items, even dog bones...except this challenging one, lol. Live and learn I suppose, we will keep at it for success.

[@dammarito]

WOW!!! This worked Perfectly!! Thank you so much! I’ve been working on “drop” with my dog with only a little success. This worked INSTANTLY!

[@methodk9]

Excellent

[@Mets2015WorldSeries]

@@warondogs8199it’s a hunter bro

[@kandrisa]

I believe that you just saved my 8 month puppy from possibly initiating a dog fight. He’s been biting other dogs’ leashes and sometime collars. I see how this method will absolutely change his perspective and cognition on drop and me as his handler.

[@raymondchow2237]

Love your video but more important the little details

[@annakcupidustalebordercoll3503]

Hi, i just came across your channel. Really good content across all i have seen so far. Many trainers focus on showing how they can handle the dog and instantly change their behaviour without much focus on the other end of the leash, whereas i feel like you are actually teaching people all the "whys". This is so important!

[@anjahorvat9537]

This really worked! I'm a small girl with german shepard so I have to say it was challenging to stabilize the toy to make it uninteresting. It took about a minute for him to let go the first time! Thanks!

[@dianehuey1]

Amazing to see how quickly he shifted ! Always helpful to know what’s behind the behavior- thanks!

[@carolcrosby2177]

This is a great technique for a dog that intuits that letting go when the tug is stationary means the prey is dead. My young female decided that a stationary tug meant try harder and harder. AKA the opposite of this. She could literally pull me out of a chair. Big win for her of course and not learning to out this way. However, when I would intentionally let go( started from my exhaustion trying to be still) she would bring and slam it back into me. She was wanting me to start playing again. This, of course, is super engagement for play. Eventually I was able to add the out command with a quick yes for a regrip. Just wanted to share this for those who find their dogs might outlast them trying to be stationary. You'll need a line on those dogs that want to run away with the tug and that's another ballgame.

[@ExoticForeign]

Subscribed! I pray this works on my dog I will try tug of war later, I had to find a solution because my dog doesn’t let go

[@merylelehn9671]

How does this relate to hunt retreivers ie labs. Traditional training discouages tug games. Throw a bumper...dog retrrives...releases to hand. Get another toss/ retreive as the reward. Often on retreives of live birds they need to retreive soft mouthed and gentley release the flapping live bird to hand. They are discourged to hold to kill or brar down. Method K9 please explain benifit of teaching the tug release for an agressive lab. Love all your other strategies.

[@KariEngblom-Youkey]

Thanks for this video! Made a huge difference for me and my 9 month old equal mix of herder-guarder-nordic ( we call her our Nordic herding maligator.....your videos have been so helpful and we are all really enjoying the process ❤! )

[@UdayS-u7y]

i wish i would have known about your training methods..i trained leo for leash pulling and started playing tug more disciplined way..thanks

[@eddievazquez1907]

This worked in 1 session. Green handler with a new dog. Everything is coming along besides the “Out” which is a work in progress. Thank you 🙏

[@ghostblackzero]

This is the best explanation and tutorial I’ve seen for tug. I tried it out and my dog let go of the toy when I “killed” it the very first time. Thank you!

[@bioman2007]

Worked like a charm (on the first try) with my 7-month-old Rottweiler. Need to work more with my one-year-old Pitbull. BTW, THANK GOD I read the comment below (the one about using our thigh to protect our "jewels") . My future kids will thank you.

[@glenntellier8491]

Awesome thanks. it was just what i needed

[@spire4101]

Fist video that actually worked for this. Thanks for the knowledge. It all makes sense now.

[@fishinny8320]

Literally worked as i was watching the video! Been working on this for months too haha

[@vbs4257]

I was just now teaching "Drop it" to one of my students!

[@TheBoilingPoint]

Lots of love from the Philippines

[@MattPayne1]

Need to give this a try.

[@victorolvera6482]

do training techniques interfere with each other? I just saw different video where a guy used two balls. He thru one ball, got the dog to fetch it, when the dog brought it back the trainer got him to "drop-it" using the other ball. And that's how he tough the dog the "drop-it" command. I would like to use both techniques but will that confuse the dog? Should I teach separate commands per technique?

[@karin2825]

Awesome video, thank you! Where can I get the tug toy you have?

[@barbarafruitbat1245]

Brilliant advice! Thank you.

[@Pampnaylor]

What a great video. My obedient wonderful Australian Shepard cannot stop playing tug and I worry I’m going to get accidentally bitten or somebody else is. so I’m going to work on this with Max… my big old beautiful Australian Shepherd and I will get back to you!

[@mandeepkumar2016]

Marvelous Marvelous ❤❤❤

[@mikem.2900]

Balabanov method? I dig it 👍👍 I gotta get me a tug toy like that one !

[@Vent-Humor]

Thank you 🎉❤

[@louisefrance9967]

Love all your videos and my puppy Doberman gets it pretty much on the first go. Will try the "drop" command next. Thanks

[@ironjay09]

Love the videos! This one particularly is perfect for Chulo, I've been trying to get him to let go with minimal success. I cant wait to try this approach!

[@maryanndelossantos2791]

This video will help me more to dog

[@susantague6519]

Question: What if they don't let it go? I have a dog that is very prey driven and reactive toward the cats. So I bought him a teaser toy which was like a stick, rope and stuffed toy that squicks. He is as obsessed with the toy as he is with the cats. I will try your method and perhaps change to the tug you had. Thank you.

[@jameslucas5171]

I have a 2 year old Amstaff mix. Very quick and athletic. She takes other dog's balls and will not give it up so I can return to owner. As you know and Amstaff is in the same breed family as a pit bull and she has that strong determination to not back off from taking a ball as though her life depends on it. I often tell people she would not drop the ball, even if you used a baseball bat. They are always the attractive rubber balls you purchase, like "chuck it." She especially is crazy about balls that squeak. The harder I try to get the ball from her, the more determined she is to not drop it. She is too strong to take it from her mouth. She literally goes crazy as though it is prey. I have tried many things like using an e-collar with sensitivity at full strength. This just makes her more determined to not give it up. She is not distracted by anything. Offering her treats or another ball is fruitless. The only thing that works sometimes is by attaching a leash to her harness and pull her away from the ball if she sets it down for a second. It is at the point that I can't take her to the dog beach or a park with other dogs playing fetch. If I do, I must keep my distance from other dogs playing fetch. Do you have any recommendations?

[@sheilathompson8986]

Love your videos

[@sheilaren123]

Thank you for sharing.

[@bfs1078]

Thank you for your videos! Do you have one on how to keep your dog from barking at other dogs during our walks?

[@staciamj1]

Best explanation. Thanks

[@pici24]

Good content, thank you !

[@peggycole9113]

I LOVE this..Will start this immediately! Ty vm

[@STAYWOKEBGF]

Where did you get that tug you. Can't find a strong one like that..

[@apocalypto108]

Thank you

[@66tammie]

Outstanding video, great information!

[@luckychucky3426]

Wow I really like your presentation great job

[@DJTINYM]

Thank you so much for this info no one has said it like this before makes it easy to understand now I get it thank you!

[@SuperPiratesTV]

Amazing!

[@mandogfish7418]

Excellent tutorial.

[@ericanderson7882]

Outstanding! Thank you!

[@garrettwinpilotin2007]

Were can I buy that Large Tug Toy online?

[@mcmew3427]

My Dutch Shepherd puppy LOVES to grab onto other dogs ears and PULL PULL PULL without letting go...and I suspect it's because he thinks it's tug-of-war, which my husband plays with him all the time! I think this will be useful to help remedy that...if tug-of-war IS the reason he does this, I think this method will work. Note: my dog means zero malice when he clamps on a dog's ear...he doesn't know his own strength yet. And he's never seriously hurt any dogs yet, so I'm addressing this before it happens.

[@LMS2019]

Thank you! I'm going to try that with my dog ASAP :D

[@jessen62]

Amazing ! What about the command to take the tug ? I.e. got get it, or get it, I see you said “yes” is that the command?

[@kristinbaker9994]

"Yes" is the reward marker. This marks that the dog has done the right thing, and the toy follows immediately as the reward for doing the right thing. You don't need to teach them to take the reward. They already want it and the marker lets them know they are allowed to have it. Just like saying "yes" and giving a treat. You don't give a command for them to take the treat after they've done something appropriate, right? Hope this heps.

[@nenitacababayao4944]

Been trying different techniques to get my dog let go of tug but without success. This worked perfectly with my Belgian with one try! Perfect! Thanks! Do you have any advice on how to stop my Belgian puppy from play biting. Thanks!

[@konstantinakafesaki6857]

Such a good video !! Very educational !! Nice work!!

[@Palmonte631]

But what if you do this and he still wont let go. I’ve literally sat and held my rope toy completely still for like 2 min straight and my 130lb Shiloh shepherd just stands there or will pull it and me along with it.

[@neycrogav99]

Thanks for the video! Our Plott Hound almost pulls harder and gets a little crazy when I pull the rope close and "kill" the animal (holding the rope still). Any suggestions? Thanks

[@jankuna9479]

Wow! Merci!

[@buddyboy744]

great vid .and works a treat with my bud...

[@garynix2]

I have a possessive black lab. I try this, but it ends up being a waiting game when the tug is still (or dead). I can hold it still for over a minute or two ro more and she is not letting go. I don't give up, but it goes no where. Any advice?

[@Rem694u2]

This is really interesting.

[@superman0579]

Nice work! Thank you for doing these videos

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

My rescue dog came with a "tennis ball hoarding" need. Initially she growled and fought over giving up her ball. I then used a Kong hard red ball to (as a replacement) to get her to give up ANY toy to me. I also used the "trade me" (liver treat for the ball) and that worked also. WHERE CAN WE BUY THIS KIND OF TUG? (I looked at Chery and Petco, and both were a no go.) I definitely want to work with this tug with my 70 lb. Lab/Staffordshire Terrier.

[@methodk9]

Redline k9 makes the tug

[@veenavarro6732]

What length of tug is that? Thank you for all your videos. Super helpful!

[@methodk9]

Not sure! Maybe 3ft handle to handle.

[@garrettwinpilotin2007]

@@methodk9 were can i buy it online the, tug toy were can I buy

[@tricias6329]

Where do I get this tug

[@rachelunderbakke39]

I tried this with my little pit mix using a large rope toy and when i pulled the toy close to me and held it still, it seemed to make her bite down harder on it and she just hard stared at me. I tried to keep it still for a while assuming she would let go but she continued staring and trying to pull the toy away. Thoughts?

[@methodk9]

There is likely still a little wiggle in the toy. Try to keep it as still as possible. Another thing to try is bumping the dog with your knee to interrupt them so they let go.

[@evitop4330]

My pit bull does the same and I hold it perfectly still. He just closes his eyes and waits for hours lol.

[@stickydoughcakes]

whats a good site to find a long tug pillow like in video

[@davefleury2984]

What age is a good time to start training this?

[@jordanrey1414]

Hi I have a 11 week old malamous but he keeps ripping tug toys. Can you give me a link for tugs toys. Thanks for the video though

[@saphira3]

Your dog us beautiful 😍

[@skycenat]

Amazing tutorial! But what’s that toy?

[@methodk9]

Redline K9 tug

[@skycenat]

@@methodk9 thank you so much!

[@mittab3895]

What if they do not let it go? It did not work for my dog , the dog still keeps holding firmly until I become tired and release it. He growls at the same time

[@amylegler7925]

I believe my dog is part Malinois! But I'm new and love your videos! Can't wait to start working with him. Also where did you get that guy toy?

[@konukuauleki]

nice crates!!! what brand are those?

[@methodk9]

Impact

[@Jsplain]

What toy is that?

[@rickm6913]

Where do you find a tug toy like the one you used?

[@methodk9]

Redline K9

[@rj-jl5nv]

Beautiful fog. What breed is it?

[@methodk9]

Malinois

[@amberhernandez4327]

My pitbull is way stronger than me and shakes her head so I am unable to successfully “kill” the animal properly. Any suggestions?

[@InGreed666]

What if you're done for now? My dog never calms down after he had a toy

[@fireblazinstar]

That wont work with mine she keeps re-adjusting her bite on the toy I'd probably get accidently nibbed. So what do you do in that type case?

[@MarkDuivesteijn]

Great question, I have the same issue

[@fireblazinstar]

@@MarkDuivesteijn still not much worked with mine except bribing with a treat

[@MarkDuivesteijn]

@@fireblazinstar so recognizable. He even knows the sounds of the bags/pockets that contain candy. The moment he hears it, it's candy only the rest doesn't matter. At least that 😆

[@fireblazinstar]

@@MarkDuivesteijn same here..lol

[@learning2no]

How do you end the season without the dog expecting to think he will get the toy back?

[@deanbalouris330]

You should explain the benefits of playing tug with your dog.

[@sophievanderauwera691]

Well, I've tried it a few times but it didn't work, my tug toy was still too good to continue shaking, even if it didn't move that much. I'll stick to swapping toys instead.

[@dianehuey1]

Where can I get a tug like that???

[@katherinevictoria2406]

when teaching "leave it" for the first time, is it wrong to exchange the tug for a treat and mark it when the dog releases it with the treat?

[@methodk9]

Not wrong. Just might not be as effective in the long run.

[@hiro_the_gsdm918]

When I want to play tug with my dog, he always nips my hands where I’m holding the toy, any tips?

[@hiro_the_gsdm918]

@@GurgMaster okay thanks! 😊 He used to bite at my hands to get me to drop it and it’s made him a bit aggressive so we’ve had it to stop tug all together (which stopped his biting), and have started to do fetch instead (with two balls) which had taught him to drop the ball in his mouth, when I’m about to throw a ball (usually when I lift the ball to my shoulder level). And now it works with one ball or with anything, all I need to do is lift my hand to my shoulder as if I’m going to throw a ball.

[@feliciacook7446]

This seemed too simple to actually work with my 6mos GSD puppy who won’t let anything go for ANYTHING. I will say for the people saying it isn’t working, we had to wait a looong time the first few attempts, and it’s been a couple days and he’s still occasionally not releasing for quite a long time, but for the most part he’s already got it down. Much better for us than any treat swap techniques we had tried.

[@giorgossof21]

I have a similar problem with the ball. He gets so fixated sometimes to it that he will never let it go, even for a piece of bacon or while chocking from a pinch collar. I am getting frustrated with this... any tips? I obviously can't apply this here cause its ball and not something I can hold when it is in his mouth

[@johncspine2787]

@@giorgossof21 get a ball on a rope..

[@kristinbaker9994]

Maybe get a ball on a rope to practice with?@@giorgossof21

[@AjziaNycole]

I try this and my American Bulldog just continues to tug on it 😭😭 I’m trying to teach “drop it” but he doesn’t seem to get it

[@HowardFeinstein]

My dog retrieves a frisbee but when he returns it, he keeps his distance as I reach for it, then when I do get it, he will try to play tug of war with it. What I do now is I let go immediately and look away then he drops it. When I go to pick it up, he attacks the toy and tries to play tug of war again. Do you have a video that addresses not releasing upon return on retrieving?

[@beautifulaspen6583]

You could try using 2 frisbees. He has to drop the first one before you throw the second one. Your timing has to be spot on. So the second he drops the frisbee the other one is flying.

[@HowardFeinstein]

@@beautifulaspen6583 thank you for the suggestion!

[@beautifulaspen6583]

@@HowardFeinstein you're welcome.

[@kacperpawowski8985]

if I give my dog ​​a toy like this, it won't bite the toy handles?

[@methodk9]

It might. You will need to keep showing the dog to bite the center. If they won't, get a softer tug toy.

[@kacperpawowski8985]

@@methodk9 thank you

[@anastassiagresko4571]

Hi

[@aambur11]

Where can I find this tug??

[@methodk9]

Redline k9

[@katehuffman2252]

His little nose boops in between killing the animal & making it alive again killed me 🤣

[@berfont1994]

What if my dog isn't interested to tug?

[@tinanieves9881]

My dog gets WOLD with the tug! I can't move my hands to get closer or she pulls it out of my hands. HELP!

[@kimnute2146]

I would love to see a video with you training a 1yo Pitbull using this technique. So far he won't let go of anything and every time I hold it close like you I get bit and clothes torn LOL Not his fault...I must be doing something wrong.

[@methodk9]

We have one on our subscription page. Methodk9institute.com

[@kimnute2146]

@@methodk9 thank you so much!

[@iga279]

I thought malinois were a bit smarter than that and they could distinguish between an animal and tug toy.

[@apbt067]

That dog has been trained. But a dog that isn’t trained to just stop pulling and thrashing it’s a lot harder. A dog like a rott or mastiff will shake that toy regardless. Even if it’s a just a little bit. Would have to be a solid person to hold a tug still with a 120lb dog on the other end.

[@kristinbaker9994]

That is exactly why you train respect before they get that big.

[@dianalynn3600]

Learning a lot even though Marci is a little weird. LOl