4 Foolproof Ways to Get Your Dog to ‘Drop It’ Every Time

Does your dog refuse to drop that ball, rope, or whatever mystery item they’ve decided to “claim” today? Whether it’s trash, kids’ toys, or your favorite socks, teaching your dog to “drop it” is a must-have skill for any dog owner.

And here’s the deal: 

While there are a few ways to get your dog to drop something, some methods work better long-term than others. (The following methods work great for non-aggressive dogs. If your dog is aggressive, seek professional help before trying any of them.)

Let’s break it down:

1. Trade the Item for a Treat (My Least Favorite Method)

The most common advice you’ll hear is to trade the item in their mouth for a treat. And, yes, this can work—but there’s a catch.

If you do this too often, your dog may start thinking, “If I grab something I’m not supposed to have, I’ll get attention and a treat!” 

So, use this method sparingly. It’s great for teaching your dog what you want the first few times, but don’t rely on it. Otherwise, you could end up rewarding the very behavior you’re trying to prevent.

2. Leash Tension Until They Drop It into Your Hand

This method is one of my favorites and works well for persistent pups. Simply attach a leash to your dog and apply gentle tension. Keep the tension steady until they drop the item directly into your hand.

The beauty of this approach is that they’re learning that you will follow through with house rules or rules of the game in a calm and patient way.  Also, they learn that releasing the item into your hand is the right thing to do in a physically guided way. Dogs learn better with less talking and more showing. 

After they drop it, you can praise them calmly but don’t make a big fuss.

3. The “Dead Toy” Method: Leash Tension Until They Drop It on the Floor

Similar to method #2, but instead of having them drop the item into your hand, you let it fall to the floor. Again, keep the leash tension steady until the item is released, and then calmly put the item back where it belongs (for off limits items) or start the game up again (if you’re teaching them to drop a toy). 

Your dog doesn’t complete the lesson unless you can leave the item on the floor for a few seconds without trying to grab it again.

Why does this work so well? Because you’re teaching your dog that even if the item is on the floor, it is still off limits right now. Your dog needs to learn that an item in your hands is “off limits” until you give it to them AND that items on the floor are also sometimes “off limits” until you give the OK. 

4. Straight Up Release

• Have your dog sit in front of you

• Put your hands under their chin

• Slowly guide their head and the toy straight up towards you 

• Your dog will gently release the item

This is my go to method for puppies during play time. It works in other situations surprisingly often too. Your vibe must be very calm and loving for it to work. Use a soft, calm tone for best results. 

The Bottom Line:

The key to teaching “drop it” isn’t just about getting the item back—it’s about teaching your dog that letting go is the right choice. The methods above will help guide them toward that understanding.

If you’re struggling to get your dog to reliably “drop it,” or keeps turning it into a game of keep-away, we’re only an email reply away.