Mary Allen
This is how your dog learns that it is worth giving something away
Giving away balls, sticks or toys is part of the basic training of every dog. But in order for your dog to learn to reliably give something out of its mouth, it must first learn that it can trust you with this exercise.
Who Likes to Give Something Away?
Once a dog has something they desire in their mouth, some are reluctant to give it back. So the trick is to offer him something that’s even more attractive than what he currently has – and that’s usually where food can’t be beaten. In the long run, he will learn that he gets something if he is willing to give something.
Offer a Good Exchange
In order for your dog to be really willing to swap, the “currency” has to be right first of all. So have extra delicious treats ready that make it impossible for him to say “no” – like cheese cubes or ham sausage pieces.
But it’s not always just treats that can be used as exchange currency. Many dogs primarily learn through play that it is worth dropping the ball again. Because otherwise the game quickly becomes boring because you can’t throw what he’s holding in his mouth.
If You Give Me, I’ll Give You!
Take a toy and make it interesting for your dog to carry around happily.
Call him if he still has the toy in his mouth.
Show him your delicious treat. The moment your dog opens his mouth to drop the toy, say “Give!” or “Out!” And you give him his reward.
Extra tip: Most people automatically use the “Command-Off!” command when they want the dog to stop doing some nonsense. If that’s the case for you too, you’re better off using the “command-give!” to spend. This way, no command is assigned twice and you don’t confuse your dog.
Throw the toy again. And only repeat the exercise two or three times. Repeat the exercise several times a day, but only for a short period of time.
Once he understands that there is a cookie for dropping it, you can grab the ball in your dog’s mouth and then give the command. So “give” means to let go of what’s in the mouth. It doesn’t matter whether you want it to fall on the floor or in your hand.
Important: A mistake that can cloud learning success at first is taking the toy from the dog and then putting it away. In the end, always let your dog have his toys. In this way he learns that the command “Give! Out!” doesn’t mean it’s game over now, you’re not actually taking anything away from him.
You Have to Pay Attention to That
Be sure to remain relaxed and friendly during this exercise. As soon as it comes down to wanting something, we unconsciously become “dominant, i. that is, we speak in a commanding tone or hastily reach for the toy. And it is precise with this command that we have the feeling that we absolutely have to assert ourselves. But our dog should learn that giving something away is a rewarding game for him – and not a power struggle between dog and owner.
Extra tip
Avoid a tug of war
What if your dog has an expensive or dangerous object in its mouth and it’s all or nothing?
Don’t get excited so your dog doesn’t get the feeling that a fun chase is about to begin.
Instead, call him over and offer him an alternative. But in such a case, they really have to taste good: hold out all the treats you have with you in your hand. Or get the whole pack of ham sausage out of the fridge at home and entice him with it.
If that doesn’t help: grab the object, but don’t pull it, push it! This keeps your dog’s jaw much more relaxed. And if he has backed up a few meters, he will let go of the object.
When the Wild Thing Doesn’t Care About the Treats
Your dog doesn’t care for treats and can’t be persuaded to give up his beloved ball for a piece of cheese? Then the only thing that helps is to get him to give up the ball via his play instinct. He should learn that a funny game is only possible together with you.
To do this, you have to put your dog in the best mood to play. Toss the ball or wiggle the play rope to make your dog really want it.
If he proudly runs past you with the ball in his mouth or stands in front of you expectantly and challenging, you do nothing but wait and see.
The moment your dog drops the ball, say “Pass!” and then kick it up in the air again in a high arc, allowing the game to continue.
Repeat this several times so that your dog realizes that he has to let you have the ball in order for the game to continue.
Why should you kick the ball and not grab it? There are two reasons for this:
- If your dog tries to grab the ball so you don’t get it, you’re safe – your shoes will protect you.
- You are faster with your foot than with your hand. This is how you can anticipate your dog. And he realizes that the two of you are playing together – and it’s you who can let the ball fly wonderfully far again. Once your dog understands that he has to drop the ball in order for you to continue playing, you can grab it with your hand as well.
More options for professionals
You can also refine and perfect the simple “Give!” exercise if your dog has understood the basic exercise well and lets go of everything on command.
Hand out tug toys
The point of the tug of war is to hold onto an object as tightly as possible and not to give it up for any price. Try and see if your dog can switch back and forth between holding on and giving out. Your body language is particularly important.
First, wrestle vigorously with your dog for a toy rope or something similar. You can make exaggerated movements and also growl or cheer for your dog – that’s how most dogs love this game. Then you stay relaxed the next moment, relax your muscles and your grip on the rope and give your command in a calm and friendly tone. Does your dog give away the rope immediately? Congratulations! Afterward, there is immediately another round of wild tug of war as a reward.
This is how your dog gives away his toys
Don’t pull on the toy or reach for it too soon.
Offer your dog delicious treats to encourage them to drop the item.
Stay relaxed and friendly so your dog sees the exercise as a game and not a power struggle.
For the initial period of training, let your dog use the toy at the end of the exercise. This is how he learns that you are not taking anything away from him.