Drop it (or "out") can be a super conflicting command for dogs.... 😱 but teaching a drop it during play can make all the difference!
Imagine having the coolest/yummiest treat you've ever had annnnnnd your friend/parent tells you to give it to them immediately, & then you never get it back! You'd probably have a moment of
"mmmmmm I don't wannnnnaaaa"
So, by using play & inviting our dogs back to the fun item we create a new expectation around the drop it command - we want them to think "if I drop it, I may get to immediately get to play with it again - how fun!"
Andddd the more that becomes the expectation, the more "money in the bank" we have to rely on that positive thought when we ask them to drop it when it's something we won't be giving back (hello trash on the sidewalk)
This is an easy way to change our dog from a pessimist to an optimist about everyday interactions!
You can see in this video that the second Chance gives up possession of the ball, we immediately say yes and start the game again (tossing or swinging the ball)! The more we practice this immediate "yes" the faster he'll give up possession so we can start playing again 😉
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