Teaching Your Dog To Drop Give Release

Playing fetch or tug with your new puppy or dog is a great cooperative game. However, if your dog does not release the ball or tug toy it wont be much fun for you. DROP IT, GIVE, RELEASE, whatever you decide to call it; is a good behavior to have if your management slipped and he stole an object he shouldnt have. However, I do urge you to increase your management skills so that you are not putting yourself and your dog in a catch-22 of him stealing and you rewarding him for giving it back.  I do, of course, always reward my dog for giving me something back in the early years to ensure resource guarding does not develop.

Drop It Exercise 1

Level 1

• Grab one of your dogs toys, such as a tug rope.
• Tell your dog to "Get It" as you wiggle it around so that your dog grabs onto the toy.
• As your dog has the toy in his mouth, put a high-ranking treat up to his nose. As soon as your dog drops the toy, say "YES!" and immediately give him the treat.
• Repeat this game about 5 times, ensuring a good game before the drop (if he still has the desire for the game)

Level 2

• Set up your game the same way as before. This time say your Drop It cue (Drop, Give, Release etc.) right before placing the treat to his nose. Only say the word one time.
• As soon as your dog drops the toy say "YES!" and give him his treat.
• Repeat 5 times

Level 3

• Set up like level 2, this time say, your Drop It cue without showing your dog the treat. Wait for your dog to drop the toy, as soon as he does say "YES!" and treat.
• Repeat the game 5 times

TIPS 

• If your dog is not being successful, either increase the reward or decrease the value of the toy.
• Every dog has his own motivation level for play.  When practicing your drop cue, make sure you are ending before he wants to end, even if you don’t get your 5 repetitions in.  You want to end the game with him wanting more, not him totally bored with the activity.

Drop It Exercise 2

Level 1

• Have two identical toys, such as tennis balls. You want the toys to be the same so that your dog does not find one toy more valuable than the other.
• Toss the toy about 5’ away in a hallway or with your dog on a long leash (20).
• When your dog comes running back with the toy, wiggle the other toy in front of him.
• Wait for it.  As soon as he drops the first toy, toss the second toy from your hand.
• Repeat 5 times

Level 2

• Set up like before. This time when your dog comes running back with toy say your Drop It cue and wait for your dog to drop the toy. As soon as he drops the toy toss the other toy from your hand.
• Repeat 5 times

So, there you have it.  The beginning stages of teaching a good drop or give behavior. As with any behavior, you will need to actively practice these lessons, and gradually increase the difficulty level until he becomes a master dropper.  Dexter can be in full fledge tugging mode, and will release the toy quickly with one soft "drop." 

Do you need extra dog training help?  I offer in-person,  phone consultations, weekend dog retreats and public seminars.  Contact me today for details.

Tonya Wilhelm-Global Dog Training http://www.globaldogtraining.com

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Marley Me Press Release

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers States Marley & Me Highlights the Positive Impact of Training

Professional dog trainers agree that upcoming movie is a wonderful opportunity to promote the benefits of positive, science-based dog training. Working with a professional trainer and learning about your dog’s physical and mental needs can eliminate potential behavior problems in the home.

Greenville, SC (PRWeb) – December 19, 2008 –The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, the largest educational and professional association for dog trainers in the world, believes the movie Marley & Me is a great opportunity to promote reward based training for all dogs. The movie, based on the bestselling book by John Grogan, opens Christmas Day and depicts an exuberant Labrador Retriever whose behavior creates turmoil in his owners’ lives.

Dogs with the size, energy level and behavior issues of Marley often end up in shelters because their owners do not know how to work with them. Labrador Retrievers are one of the top five breeds that are relinquished to shelters. This belies their image as a favorite family dog. Working with a trainer and understanding your dog’s physical and mental needs can go a long way toward keeping dogs in their homes.

Some members of the APDT have provided tips for living with “unruly” dogs on the APDT’s Web site, www.apdt.com.

Some highlights include:

1. Crate Training – Teach puppies to love their crate. Crates prevent dogs from engaging in destructive behaviors around the house when owners are not at home or unable to supervise them with their complete attention.
2. Reinforce for Calm, Quiet Behavior – Trainer Tayrn Hodge recommends reinforcing your dog for calm, quiet behavior and to have them “sit or lie down to get everything – sit at doorways, sit or lie-down for meals, sit for petting, sit for getting his leash on, sit before tossing his ball.”
3. Use Proper Equipment for Walks - There are a large variety of new products on the market that can assist with making your walks with large or unruly dogs more pleasant. Some of the new products you can try are head halters and front clip harnesses which prevent pulling without choking your dog or causing discomfort.
4. Understand Your Dog’s Breed Tendencies – Learn about the type of dog you’re bringing into your home before you do so. Paul Owens, author and trainer jokes, “…in my 35 years of training, I’ve met maybe two Labs who aren’t constantly self-employed as gardeners, home decorators and official bull-in-a-china shop court jesters.” You can find breed information through breed clubs, breed rescue web sites, and from trainers and shelter workers.
5. Provide Appropriate Exercise and Outlets for Play – Kellyann Conway, President of the APDT, says, “Exercising your dog is important but making time to *play* with your dog is vital to developing and maintaining a great relationship with him. Actively playing with your dog will keep him fit both physically and mentally.”
6. Environmental Enrichment –Trainer Teoti Anderson says, “Dogs need outlets for their energy. Some dogs would be just as happy munching on your sofa as chasing a tennis ball! It’s up to us to teach them what’s appropriate.” There are many toys today that are designed to stimulate your dog’s mind and keep them occupied for.
7. Recognize Behavior Problems –It isn’t always an obedience problem—unwanted behaviors are sometimes brought on as a result of fear or anxiety. These behavioral problems can only be solved through a behavior modification plan under the guidance of a professional that takes these issues into account. Visit the APDT’s Trainer Search at www.apdt.com to find a professional in your area.
8. Try Fun Outlets for Your Dog’s Energy such as Dog Sports –Many destructive behaviors stem from a lack of a “role” for the dog to perform. Finding things to engage your dog’s mind and physical energies can provide a positive outlet. Trainer Laurie Williams suggests looking at dog sports such as agility, Rally, Frisbee, and flyball. Laurie adds that teaching your dog a sport “…will definitely be much more productive than rearranging your landscaping!”
9. Make Training a Part of Your Life –Trainer and author Nicole Wilde recommends, "Incorporate training skills into your everyday life. For example, practice down-stays during television commercials and while youre eating dinner, and have your dog sit to greet visitors."
10. Work with a Qualified Trainer – A professional trainer can help you communicate effectively with your dog to create a harmonious relationship. Whether through a group class, or sessions in your home, working with a qualified trainer can make life with any dog go smoother. Visit the APDT’s Trainer Search at www.apdt.com to find a trainer in your area.
    
    CONTACT FOR THE ASSOCIATION OF PET DOG TRAINERS:
    Mychelle Blake, Communications Director
    1-800-PET-DOGS
    Direct: 702-966-8060 or 866-245-2742
    MBlake@apdt.com
    
    LOCAL CONTACT:
    Tonya Wilhelm, Training Director
    419-699-7785
    Topdog@ToledoDogTraining.Com
    www.ToledoDogTraining.Com
    
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Tonya Wilhelm-Global Dog Training http://www.globaldogtraining.com

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