Home >> Dog Behavior >> Basic Cues >> Take It / Drop It

Take It / Drop It

You can prevent resource guarding from ever developing by teaching your puppy or dog to trade and give up objects, making the whole experience a game. The 'Take It and Drop It' cue teaches your dog to do this in low-stress situations so that you'll be able to more easily gain the attention of your dog and help him release something (which can then be followed up with the 'Leave It' cue) even when he may be distracted or aroused in stimulating environments.

Giving your puppy a high-value chew toy and holding onto the other end for a short period of time while he chews it will also allow him to be confident about your presence near his high-value objects.

Owners often make a guarding situation a lot worse by being confrontational and threatening when their dogs refuse to give up an object. However, if you turn the whole process into a game of trade by teaching the 'take it and drop it' game, your dog will feel good about giving up any object he has in his mouth.

Training Technique:

STAGE ONE – The Trade

• Start with an object of low value and present it to your dog.
• When he opens his mouth to take the object, say, 'take it.'
• Allow him to play with the object; then present him with a duplicate that you have behind your back.
• As your dog drops the object he has in his mouth, say 'drop it' and reward him with the duplicate that you have in your other hand, saying, 'take it.'

STAGE TWO – Adding Value
Keep repeating this exercise; when your dog is consistently complying you can gradually build up the value of the toy.

• If he does not want to give up the higher-value toy, walk away from him, produce a new toy, and start directing all your interest to that new toy while you play with it.
• Most likely his curiosity will get the better of him, and he will come over and give up the toy he has in his mouth.
• Immediately reward his decision by giving him the new toy and repeating the 'take it,' 'drop it' sequence.