AboutLorie Hartwick Expertise I have been an accredited dog trainer and obedience instructor for the past 20 years. I am also a certified AKC good citizen instructor and tester. My approach on training is a proven method of do no harm lure reward system. This method gets you honest results in a short amount of time.If you have a problem or just need advice on anything from finding that perfect companion, to house breaking, puppy to adult training or AKC good citizen training or test I would be happy to help.
Experience Dog trainer with 20 experience, AKC instructor and tester of AKC good citizen test.I work with local rescue groups as animal behaviorist.
Education/Credentials Animal behavior study, accredited dog training certificates, AKC accredited for the good citizen training and test.
Question Hi. My 2-year old Springer Spaniel, Little Guy, loves to play fetch, but once he gets the stick he brings it back, but will not drop it! We found him dumped on the side of the road and we decided to keep him. He did know some commands, but we don't know what commands he was told to "drop it" or if he was taught that at all. I have tried dropping his favorite treat down in front of him, but he pays no attention to it at all. Is there any way to get him to "drop it"?
Answer Erin,
I would start with the command LEAVE IT! To do this get a yummy treat (dog treat) but if you find he has no interest in it get something like a small nibble of chicken. Place your hand in front of him so he can see it, close your fingers around it and without moving your hand (keep it still) say LEAVE IT! when he stops looking at your hand or smelling your hand say TAKE IT! Do this for a while, then proceed to do this from the ground with your hand over the food, then just placing the food in front of him then when he understands leave it try it with his toy.If he was to go for the food use a negative sound to stop his reaction. Leave it means don't touch it, look at it and drop it. Once you have this down replace leave it with drop it or just keep the words leave it.
While this is in progress if he was to not leave the ball simply turn your back and walk away from him, doing this a few times he will understand what you want from him.
