Command: “Give”
Training Steps:
- Start with an Object: Give your dog a toy to hold. After they’ve taken it, offer a treat and say “Give.”
- Trade Object for Treat: Hold out the treat so your dog sees it and lets go of the toy to take the treat. Immediately say “Good give” and reward them.
- Repeat and Reinforce: Keep practicing by increasing the value of the objects and using different items. Ensure consistency in rewarding immediately after the release.
- Practice Under Distraction: Try the command in various settings with distractions to reinforce that the command applies everywhere.
Explanation: “Give” is important for teaching your dog to release objects willingly, which is crucial for safe play and interactions, especially if they pick up something they shouldn’t.
Use Case: This command is useful when playing fetch, ensuring your dog returns and releases the toy for another throw. It’s also critical for preventing possessive behaviors over toys or other objects.