Training the Drop it command by toy Switching
Toy Switching (teaching a drop it):
Toy switching is my favorite way to teach a drop it inside of play. To do this, all you need are two identical toys and dog who loves to tug.
Level one: teach the toy switch
Start by playing tug with one toy (while another toy is behind your back). At some point, stop moving the toy you’re playing with and present the new toy, making it “come alive” by moving it. When your dog switches to the “live” toy, praise and play and put the other toy behind your back. Switch back and forth in this manner until your dog easily and quickly switches between them.
Level Two: Add a cue
When your dog is easily switching between toys, you’ll add your “drop it” cue right before you stop moving toy #1 and bring out toy bring toy # 2. This will teach your dog the word “drop it” means a new toy is coming and he should let go of this one in his mouth.
Florida Puppies 