Glossary

Drop it

A cue that asks a dog to let go of something in its mouth, taught as a trade rather than a struggle.

Also called: give, out, release, drop-it cue

"Drop it" teaches a dog to release an object on request. It is usually taught as a trade: the owner offers a treat or a toy, the dog lets go of the item to take it, and the owner then often hands the item back so the dog learns that giving up an object does not mean losing it.

Chasing a dog, prying its mouth open or grabbing the item can make a dog hold on tighter or become wary of people near its things. That is one way resource guarding begins.

It differs from leave it, which keeps the dog from picking something up. Both help in an emergency, such as when a dog has picked up something unsafe. If a dog swallows something dangerous, call a veterinarian at once.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Leave it A cue that tells a dog to stop paying attention to something, such as food on the ground, and turn away from it. Resource guarding A dog's tendency to protect food, toys, places or people from others by stiffening, growling, snapping or biting. High-value treat A food reward the dog finds especially tempting, such as cooked chicken or cheese, saved for difficult training moments. Basic obedience The core manners most pet dogs are taught, usually sit, down, stay, come, walking nicely on a leash and leave it.