Labrador Training: Teaching Your Lab The “Drop It” Command

In Labrador training the “drop it” command may only seem useful for playing fetch with your Lab, but in reality, it can be a life-saver. This is especially true for those with Labrador puppies, as they are fond of chewing and swallowing inedible objects. Unlike chasing your dog, “drop it” allows you to have more control and prevents them eating toxic substances/food and hazardous objects.

The things you’ll need to get started with Labrador training include;

• A few of your Labrador’s favorite toys.


• Treats


• Collar and leash (to avoid having to chase your puppy)


• Distraction-free training area

Training your Labrador to “drop it”

This training command isn’t too difficult to teach, but it does require repetition and patience. Learning the “drop-it” command can be accomplished in just a few steps:

• Have your dog take one of his or her favorite toys and allow a few minutes of playtime. If your Lab puppy is unwilling to take a toy, give some encouragement by bouncing the ball, squeaking the toy, etc. Praise your puppy immediately after they grab the toy.


• Hold a treat with one hand while allowing your Lab to smell it. This should get your Labrador to let go of the toy. As soon your dog releases it, give the “drop it” command, and then reward with the treat. Alternatively, you could use another favorite toy if your Lab isn’t too interested in food or treats.


• After a few training sessions of 5 to 10 minutes each, have your Labrador wait longer before a reward is given. You can start with 5 seconds and work your way up to 10 sec., 15 sec., 20 seconds, etc. Soon, your dog will associate the command with the action.


• Once your Labrador is confidently responding to the “drop it” command, practice it while you’re playing fetch. This will really test your dog’s obedience, as it’s easy for them to get carried away during playtime. If your Lab does not obey, stop the game immediately. You can start the game again a few minutes later when your dog has settled down. Remember to be generous with rewards until your Labrador has mastered the command.


• Practice the command with different objects or if your Lab won’t take anything, keep an eye out for training opportunities throughout the day. It doesn’t have to be necessarily when your dog takes an “off limits” object; it can be when they’re picking up the food bowl (Labs are known for doing this when they’re hungry), taking his leash before going out for a walk, etc.


• Finally, you want to reinforce the “drop it” command in different environments so that your Labrador knows he or she is to obey no matter what.

My Labrador retriever had a nervous breakdown. I kept throwing him a boomerang. – Nick Arnette

href=http://labradorretrieverguide.com/labrador-training-teaching-your-lab-the-drop-it-command/>Labrador Training: Teaching Your Lab The “Drop It” Command