“Let go” is probably one of the most important commands a dog can teach. Since dogs enjoy chewing on various objects, you will often have the opportunity to use this command. Remove the toy. Take off my shoes. Remove the wand before entering the house. Teaching your dog this command will make it drop the object from its mouth or at least make it easier for you to pick it up. So, how to teach this command? You must first set the dog's condition properly.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Collecting Practice Items
Step 1. Choose a toy
Choose a toy that is easy for your dog to bite and that he likes. Stuffed rattles or dog bones are good choices. In the broader scheme of things, any type of toy is unimportant, as you will indeed be teaching the dog to let go.
Step 2. Find a snack
Use treats that he likes more than his toys. You must create a reward system that the dog will follow. Delicious snacks are more valuable than toys to him. This snack can be a normal snack or a special just for practice. Dogs love treats made of turkey, chicken, or cheese. Make sure the amount is very small because you will use it regularly while practicing.
Step 3. Select a booster, for example clicker
In the early twentieth century, Russian psychologist Ivan Pavlov discovered that dogs could be taught to "expect" food by the sound of a bell. This “neutral stimulus” – the sound of a bell – causes the dog to drool and expect food. You can use the same principle here. Choose something practical and can produce sound. Many people use a clicker that produces a clicking sound. You might even consider using sound files on your cell phone.
Step 4. Purchase a bridle
If your dog tends to run away with his toys, you may be able to use a harness when training him. Otherwise, you should keep them in a closed room with minimal disturbance. Your goal here is to focus your dog's attention on exercise, not play.
Step 5. Be patient
Your expectations must be realistic. Yes, dogs may learn basic commands in about a day, but it's more realistic to expect small, noticeable improvements.
Part 2 of 2: Teaching the Commandments
Step 1. Start training when your dog is about 3 months old
Each session should last about 15 minutes and you can try up to 3 times at separate times throughout the day. Usually, the younger the dog, the shorter each session because attention is limited.
Step 2. Offer toys
Make sure toys are ready in one hand and treats in the other. Hold the toy in front of the dog's mouth. Wait for him to sniff and pick it up. You can even say "take". In this way, the dog at the same time learns to pick up and release objects in one process. Always use the same command.
Step 3. Say “let go” and offer a snack
Again, make sure you use the same command every time. You can repeat this command several times, but don't overdo it. Place the treat in front of the dog's nose. The expectation – if you choose the treats wisely – is that he will let go of the toy and eat the treat.
- If you are using a booster, now is the time. When saying the release command, click the clicker. Make sure you do this at the same time that the dog associates the “let go” command and the click sound with the treat.
- Make sure your tone of voice is firm but calm. Don't scream and scare the dog.
Step 4. Repeat the process
Hold the toy until the dog picks it up. Say “let go” while pressing the clicker, then give it a snack. While you are practicing this, stay away from dogs. This way, he'll expect a snack every time he hears a command or a click. Don't let him just follow orders when you're right in front of him.
Step 5. Practice in different environments with different objects
Practice your dog's understanding of his commands as often as possible. Remember, dogs are smart animals. He may only attribute the command to specific toys or places. Teach the dog outside and inside the house. Offer different objects. If he really likes to carry a certain object in his mouth, train the dog with it.
Always use something chewable and safe when you practice this command. Do not allow the dog to be encouraged to pick up and let go of something he is not allowed to bite. For example, if he likes to chew shoes, don't use them to teach this trick. Dogs may associate chewing shoes with treats
Step 6. Strengthen the exercise constantly
You never know when the right time to teach dogs comes. Prepare snacks and other boost clickers. If you don't have a treat, offer him something he likes more. For example, swap the TV controller for a toy dog.
