How to teach your dog the commands “Give” and “Take”
Some owners have difficulty in teaching the dog to give on command a toy or a thing you need, but not at all useful for the dog, which the pet accidentally grabbed. How to teach a dog the “Take” and “Give” commands?
Victoria Stilwell’s 7 Tips for Teaching Your Dog the Take and Give Commands
- Engage the dog in the game, say “Give” and let him grab the toy.
- Let your dog play with the toy for a while.
- Take another toy that is equally valuable to the dog (better if it is exactly the same toy).
- Draw your dog’s attention to the toy in your hand, making it more interesting for your four-legged friend.
- When the dog releases the first toy from its teeth, say “Give” and praise the pet.
- Say “Take” and let the second toy be grabbed.
- Continue to play like this for a while, “exchanging” a motionless toy in the dog’s mouth for a “live” toy in your hands. Each time the dog releases a toy from its mouth, say “Give”, and when it grabs the one in your hands – “Take”.
Soon the dog will learn that it is beneficial for him to release what is there from his mouth on the command “Give” – because this means that you have something more attractive for him!
Remember that this is a game, not a confrontation. You do not need to scold the dog or put pressure on it. Play with your pet! Then the dog will not perceive the “Give” command as a risk of losing something valuable. Don’t worry if it takes a while for your four-legged friend to part with the object in his mouth at first – over time, the reaction to the “Give” command will be more and more rapid.
This game is also a good prevention of such a behavioral problem as resource protection. The pet understands that sharing is great and profitable!
You can learn more about how to educate and train dogs in a humane way by using our video courses.
