How to Teach the "Drop It" Command

Teaching your dog the "drop it" command is a vital skill that not only helps keep your pup safe but also deepens the trust between you and your furry friend. Whether your dog loves to grab things they shouldn't or you're just playing a fun game of tug, “drop it” ensures you have control while keeping the game enjoyable. Using a bite pillow (or any tug toy) turns this training into an exciting activity for both of you.

Why the Bite Pillow is Great for “Drop It” Training

The bite pillow naturally engages your dog's tugging instincts, making it the perfect toy for teaching “drop it.” Its durable, interactive design gets your dog excited, helping them stay focused and responsive. If you don’t have a bite pillow, you can use any strong, tug-friendly toy to achieve similar results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching “Drop It”

1) Start with Engaging Play: Before you start working on the command, engage your dog in a fun, high-energy game of tug using the bite pillow. Move the toy around to get your dog excited and let them latch on. Allow them to tug hard, making the playtime dynamic and exciting. Letting your dog “win” the tug game most of the time keeps them motivated and eager to play, which makes training smoother. Make sure your dog feels rewarded through play itself. When they pull the bite pillow out of your hands, it reinforces their joy in the game!

2) Introduce the “Drop It” Command: Once your dog is fully engaged, stop tugging on the bite pillow but keep holding it firmly. Staying still is key—this makes the game less exciting for your dog. Calmly say “drop it” in a neutral tone. Your dog might keep tugging or hold on, but be patient. The stillness of the toy will signal to your dog that the game has paused.

3) Stay Still to Encourage the Drop: Staying still is boring for your dog, and they’ll soon realize that tugging isn’t as fun if you’re not actively engaging. As soon as your dog releases the bite pillow, instantly re-engage with them in the game. This shows your dog that letting go of the toy doesn’t mean the fun is over—in fact, it continues! This quick re-engagement is crucial for building trust and ensuring your dog feels like you’re not just taking the toy away from them.

4) Offer a Reward or Trade (Optional): 

If your dog is struggling to let go, offer a trade by showing them a high-value treat or another toy. Hold the reward near their nose to shift their focus. When they release the pillow, immediately praise them (“Yes!” or “Good!”) and either give the treat or restart the tug game. The goal here is to make releasing the toy rewarding, whether that’s through treats or more playtime. Timing is everything! The moment they release the pillow, give your praise and re-engage in play or offer the reward to reinforce the “drop it” behavior.

5) Throw the Pillow to Switch it Up: To keep things exciting and unpredictable, sometimes throw the bite pillow after your dog releases it. This turns the game into fetch and reinforces the idea that letting go of the toy doesn’t stop the fun—it just changes how the game is played. The variety keeps your dog mentally engaged and excited to follow your cues.

6) Repeat and Reinforce: Repeat the “drop it” command during play sessions. Alternate between tugging and dropping, keeping the game fun and reinforcing the behavior with each success. The more your dog enjoys the interaction, the faster they’ll learn. As your dog improves, try introducing different tug toys or items to generalize the command.

Letting Your Dog “Win”

Letting your dog win the game of tug is important. When you allow them to pull the pillow away and feel victorious, it builds confidence and keeps them motivated to continue the game. This makes it easier to introduce training commands like “drop it” without your dog feeling like they’re losing out on fun. They should associate the release with a quick re-engagement in play—not the end of the game.

Final Thoughts

Teaching your dog to “drop it” is all about making the process fun and rewarding. By using the bite pillow—or any tug toy—you can turn training into an engaging bonding experience that your dog looks forward to. Remember, keeping the game lively and allowing your dog to “win” reinforces positive behavior and trust. With consistency, patience, and plenty of play, your dog will master the “drop it” command in no time.