How to Teach Your Dog to Take It and Why It’s a Good Idea

While teaching a dog to leave objects or drop them to ensure your dog’s safety is common knowledge, many dog owners question the necessity of teaching the “Take it” command. Though it may seem counterintuitive, training dogs to take items with their teeth has numerous advantages. It improves obedience and encourages dogs to chew only safe and approved objects.

Let’s dissect the command, how to teach your dog to take it effectively, and why you need to do it.

Why Should You Teach Your Dog to Take It?

Before you start the training process, getting a clear vision of why the command you teach benefits your dog is a good idea. It will help you stay focused, even when you face minor struggles. We’ve identified some reasons why training your dog the “Take it” cue is helpful.

1. It Prevents Unwanted Chewing

Dog owners, especially those with puppies, have tons of first-hand experience trying to save their belongings from destructive chewing. Despite being a natural part of a dog’s world exploration and interaction with their environment, you can keep this behavior under control. Using the “Take it” command is what can help. The verbal cue “Take it!” encourages your dog to pick up only specific, approved items and prevents excessive chewing. Paired with the “Drop it” command, “Take it” gives your dog a better understanding of what they can take with their teeth and what is a “no-go area.”

2. It Improves Impulse Control

Giving the “Take it” command is an excellent impulse control exercise. You can place your dog in front of food and give the command “Stay.” Then, you can use “Take it” as a release phrase, allowing your dog to grab and eat the food.

Teaching impulse control benefits both a dog and an owner. Managing impulsive behavior makes co-living with a canine easier and prevents frustrating situations. As for a dog, it helps them stay calmer and frees them from the desire for instant gratification.

3. It Helps Shy Dogs Interact With New Toys

What’s more exciting than getting your dog a new toy and watching them play with it? However, not all dogs feel confident approaching and interacting with new objects. Some dogs have a naturally lower toy drive, so using the “Take it” command can be effective if you let your dog know the toy is safe and allow them to play with it.

How to Teach Your Dog the “Take It” Command

Now that you understand why teaching the “Take it” command is valuable, we will describe how to teach your dog to take it using positive reinforcement.

Before you start, make sure you have:

• a toy your dog loves
• a clicker (if you use one)
• high-value treats

Here’s how to teach your dog to take it:

1. Choose a toy your dog loves playing with and move it enthusiastically to lure your dog into taking it.

2. When the dog takes the toy with their teeth, mark the behavior (praise verbally or use a clicker) and reward your dog with a treat.

3. Repeat the process until your dog takes the toy consistently.

4. Next, hold the toy in your hand, don’t move it, and give a verbal cue: “Take it!”

5. When the dog follows your command, mark and reward the behavior.

6. After several repetitions, gradually increase the command duration and bring new toys or objects to repeat the training process.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Mastering the “Take it” command comes easy for most dogs. However, some owners face problems teaching their furry companions to take it.

Here are some common issues and solutions to teaching your dog the “Take it” command:

• Your dog gets distracted. If your dog loses interest in the training process, bring more fun to the training session. Start playing with your dog and show your excitement to encourage your dog to continue. However, if your dog gets frustrated, finish the training session and come back to it later.
• Your dog doesn’t follow the toy. Some dogs may show little interest in interaction with the toy; you can offer them a chew instead.
• Your dog refuses to pick up the toy in their mouth. If the dog doesn't take the toy with their teeth when you start the training, take a step back and reinforce the moment your dog looks at it. Next, praise your dog when they touch the toy with their nose and build it up until they pick it up with their mouth.

Wrap-Up

Teaching your dog to take it helps them improve impulse control, prevents unwanted chewing, and gives them an idea of objects they can pick up. The command benefits dogs and owners, as it prevents destructive behaviors. Remember, the keys to success are positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency in training sessions.