Immediate Feedback and Redirection
Whenever your dog picks up something they shouldn’t—shoes, lunch bags, or even a dead mouse—you need them to “drop it” right away. Positive redirection is key to breaking this habit.
Calm and Clear Guidance
If you just shout “Drop it!” your dog might run away. Instead, show your dog what you want. Bring out a treat and say “Drop it.”
Persist until they give up the object.
Praise and Reward Quickly
Once they drop the item, give praise. You can lift them onto a bench or play with them as a reward.
After placing them on the bench, reward them with a treat and praise.
Rewarding Better Choices
With positive redirection, you shift your dog’s focus and turn a bad habit into a good one.
Encourage this good behavior by rewarding it—if they steal a shoe and drop it on their own, no treat. If they jump up onto the bench, they get one.
