Hello,

looking for advice on getting willow (15 months) to drop things, she will come when called, sit, stay ETC but getting her to drop is a nightmare if we really want something from her (i.e. she has nicked something which she loves to do especialy a sock) we have to pghysicaly open her mouth which i dont like doing.

we have tried offering her a treat and doing to comand, we have tried gently pushing on her mouth with our thumb to get her to drop and nothing. its very rare for her to do it even during play.

ideas ;-) thanks guys

__________________

RIP Sula 18th July 1993 - 20 March 2010 gone but never forgotten

Blow on the nose, when you have her chin in your hands.

Swap for something of equal value- so you drop the tennis ball in your gob, I'll throw the one i have...... or make the treat SO high value that she will drop whatever she has.

__________________
www.RescueRemedies.co.uk
http://www.dogsinneedofspace.co.uk/

we have tried swapping and she still dosnt give up, have tried blowing to she carries on... she is determined!

__________________

RIP Sula 18th July 1993 - 20 March 2010 gone but never forgotten

short, sharp blow, like blowing out a candle. to the nose

Ive always taught mine the drop command through play. Throwing a ball or toy, encouraging them to return with it, then having a really high value treat like cheese,chicken,hotdog, or anything liver based is usually high value ready. Show them the treat, they should drop the ball or toy in anticipation/wanting the treat, as they drop it say quickly the command drop,reapeat drop and give the treat, picking up the ball/toy as you give it. Then repeat the whole exercise again. With enough practice and repetitions you should be able to get them to drop on command, and even tailor off the treats gradually, so the reward becomes the re-throw of the toy and continuation of the game instead.

You can also use it to take items away from them that are dangerous and they shouldnt have. Give them something that to them is OK but a bit take it or leave it, not their most favourite thing, a lesser favourite chew or a lesser favourite toy. Then once they have it have a more favourite chew or treat, or even toy, maybe one with a squeaker thats more exciting and going to get their attention in the case of a toy, or one of their most favourite treats or types of chews. The idea then is that you "squeak" the toy or show them what ever swop item you are using, then use the drop command and then swap the item. You then gradually build up to them swapping any item for something else, mean while you are always using the Drop command and you should find it becomes such a conditioned response they will do it on command eventually.

I know you said you have tried a treat. But I have found it succesful on two pups and older dogs the way I have described, so in case you are doing it but different thought it may be worth a mention.

__________________

Obviously it works for you, but my OH did it to a Jack Russell they owned as a kid, blew at its nose/face and still has the scar on his lip to this day.

__________________

yeah blowing has no effect on her other than making her go a little crazy!

when she was at puppy classes in april the guy tried and she wasnt getting it at all i dont think its a case of she dosnt know hoe to drop she just wont drop.

i even tried a piece of chicken with her last week to get her to drop my glove and she was having none of it, she loves chicken.

as for treats occasionaly if we drop the treat she will drop what she has, but we are limiting treats as she is loosing a bit of post spay weight so her main treat at the moment is carrot which she loves!

thanks for all the advice ;-)

__________________

RIP Sula 18th July 1993 - 20 March 2010 gone but never forgotten

I'm guessing you are saying drop when she is holding it? Maybe she thinks drop means hold it?

As you take the toy out of her mouth (whether you are opening her mouth for her or not - just don't get bitten) say a word...I say thank you or even hand. Hand is usefull for them putting things straight into your hand.

When she gives it up or you take it praise her! NOT WHEN HER MOUTH IS SHUT!

Do this on lead a few times and try and break the back of it (the exercise not the dog lol)

Any training depends on three things: the training "theory", the trainer and the dog. One size does not fit all.

You might like to show the dog that not giving up the toy results in all play being stopped. If turning your back and ignoring is not enough isolate the dog in a different room. Focus your play on a different toy. Dogs want to join in and this is often enough to promote the desired response in return for interaction. No eye contact or sympathy while you isolate the dog. Consider it like the Nanny Naughty Step.

A different option is to be the big dog, don't take no for an answer supported with a firm deep voiced leave it, 'cos if you don't mean it like it's an important thing for the dog to do now - it's a game in the dog's mind. Think of the gut emotion you need to instil in the dog's mind when you see the dog has a child's throat in her mouth / or favourite daffodils etc. An extreme example but unless you can communicate to the dog that your word of command is law you are just a puppy play mate.

When your dog learns that leave it means leave it, you don't need to go to these extreme (?) lengths every time as the dog understands the word of command.

How can the dog be expected to learn if she is allowed to keep the toy and remain in play mode at her choice?