How to Teach 'Drop It' and 'Leave It' (And Why They Are Different)

The Difference Between the Commands

Many owners use these commands interchangeably, which confuses the dog.

• “Leave It” means: “Do not touch that object. Look away from it.” It is a preventative command. You use it before the dog gets the chicken bone on the sidewalk.
• “Drop It” means: “Open your mouth and let go of whatever is inside.” It is a reactive command. You use it after the dog has already picked up the chicken bone.

Training “Leave It”

The goal of “Leave It” is to teach the dog that ignoring something they want results in getting something even better from you.

For more on this topic, see our guide on How to Teach a Bulletproof Recall (‘Come’ Command).

Phase 1: The Closed Hand

1. Put a low-value treat (like plain kibble) in one hand and close your fist. Have a high-value treat (cheese, chicken) hidden behind your back.
2. Present the closed fist to your dog. They will likely sniff, lick, or paw at it. Say nothing.
3. The exact moment the dog stops trying to get the food and pulls their head away or looks at you, say “Yes!” and give them the high-value treat from your other hand.
4. Repeat until the dog immediately looks at you when you present the closed fist.

For more on this topic, see our guide on How to Keep Your Dog Calm at the Vet (Cooperative Care Training).

Phase 2: Adding the Cue

1. Present the closed fist and say “Leave it.”
2. When the dog ignores the fist and looks at you, mark (“Yes!”) and reward with the high-value treat.

Phase 3: The Open Hand and Floor

1. Open your hand with the low-value treat. If the dog lunges for it, quickly close your hand.
2. Say “Leave it.” When they ignore the open hand, reward from your other hand.
3. Progress to placing the low-value treat on the floor, covering it with your shoe if they try to grab it. Crucial Rule: Never reward the dog with the actual object you told them to “Leave.” The reward must always come from you.

Training “Drop It”

The goal of “Drop It” is to teach the dog that dropping an item doesn’t mean the fun ends; it means a better trade is happening.

The Trade Game

1. Give your dog a toy they like, but aren’t obsessed with. Let them play with it.
2. Approach them with a high-value treat (something amazing they can smell).
3. Put the treat right against their nose while they are holding the toy.
4. Because a dog cannot eat and hold a toy at the same time, they will open their mouth to get the treat. The toy will drop.
5. The moment the toy drops, say “Yes!” and let them eat the treat.
6. Once they are consistently dropping the toy for the treat, add the verbal cue “Drop it” right before you present the treat.

The “Two Toy” Game

If your dog loves playing fetch but refuses to bring the ball back (playing keep-away instead), use two identical toys.

1. Throw Toy A.
2. When the dog runs back but won’t drop Toy A, make Toy B look incredibly exciting (bounce it, act thrilled).
3. Say “Drop it.” When the dog drops Toy A to get Toy B, immediately throw Toy B.
4. Pick up Toy A and repeat.

Generalizing the Commands

Dogs are poor generalizers. If you only practice “Drop It” with toys in the living room, they won’t understand it applies to a dead bird in the park. You must practice these commands in various environments with different items (socks, paper, varied toys) to make them reliable.