These three commands give you control in real-world situations. Down is a calming position for restaurant patios and vet offices. Leave It prevents your dog from eating dangerous things. Drop It recovers items they've already grabbed.
Teaching Down
- Start with your dog in a Sit.
- Hold a treat at their nose, then slowly lower it straight to the ground between their paws.
- When their elbows touch the ground: "Yes!" + treat.
- If they stand up instead, you moved the treat too far forward. Try again — straight down.
- Some dogs resist lying down (it's a vulnerable position). Be patient and reward any downward movement.
Teaching Leave It
- Put a treat in your closed fist. Let your dog sniff, lick, paw at it.
- Wait. The moment they back off or look away from your hand: "Yes!" + treat from your other hand (not the one they left alone).
- Repeat until they immediately look away when you present your fist.
- Now add the cue: say "Leave it" as you present the fist.
- Progress: treat on the floor covered by your hand → treat on the floor uncovered → treat on a walk.
Teaching Drop It
- Give your dog a low-value toy they like but aren't obsessed with.
- Present an irresistible treat at their nose. Most dogs spit out the toy.
- The moment they release: "Yes!" + treat + give the toy back.
- Giving the toy back is key — it teaches that "drop" doesn't mean "lose."
- Add the cue: say "Drop it" just before presenting the treat.
Emergency Drop It:
Practice with increasingly valuable items. If your dog grabs something dangerous (chicken bones, medication), you need this to work under pressure. Train it before you need it.