The OUT Command

 Here is my article on the verbal  “OUT” or “DROP” command - which is to completely disengage from whatever is in their mouths, or whatever they are looking at.  This exercise is especially good for dogs who nip/bite inappropriately.

I use lure and tug toys to train the command.

The purpose of luring is to channel prey drive in the dog in a constructive manner, and increase bonding/engagement with the owner.  
It’s also great exercise for the dog, and helps satisfy their need to bite.  

I use a Chase ‘N Pull toy for luring.
I use a thick leather puppy tug for playing tug with my ACD.

Younger pups should not be encouraged to jump up to get the lure, as their joints may not be sealed yet. Used in moderation dragging the lure along the ground for them to chase,and light tugging is fine for most pups. Light tugging should be done so that the toy and pup are kept horizontally, as tugging upward could damage the pups neck/spine. 

All pups and adult dogs should be trained a verbal OUT command, and this should be used several times during tug/lure play.  This command could someday be a lifesaver if the pup has something dangerous in its mouth. 

When I use the lure/tug the dog will always get an opportunity to grab it, otherwise it would just be teasing the dog - which can cause aggression and resource guarding in some breeds. All dogs get a dopamine rush from biting, some breeds ( ones which have been bred specifically to bite ) enjoy it more than others.

I want the dog to enjoy the game, but he must play by the rules .  

I don’t recommend playing tug with a  dominant/aggressive dog, as they may bite you instead, win the tug, and increase that bad behavior.

When I use a lure/tug toy I keep the dog engaged and in drive by keeping the toy moving, once the dog grabs the toy I let them shake it for a few seconds, then give them a ( already taught) firm verbal OUT command. Once they let go I immediately give the release word BREAK and the game starts again. The dog quickly learns the game will continue if he immediately drops the toy when given the OUT command.  After playing for a while and I want to end the game I just make the dog miss the lure, and put the lure up, and verbally praise the dog.  Some people will use a verbal DONE command to let the dog know the game/exercise is over. Praise the dog, and go on to something else. 

There are several ways to train the OUT command.  
1- take a tug toy/lure and shake or quickly drag it in front of the pup to entice them to grab it .  Continue to make the toy move like a prey animal for a few seconds while the pup is holding it, then completely stop moving the toy - wait them out, the pup usually looses interest and lets go. Praise and reward with a high value treat immediately once they release. Mark with a verbal OUT command once they are doing well.

2- Another way to train OUT command is to let the pup tug on shaking toy, have the toy go “ dead”, say OUT, and offer ( trade) them another more desirable toy or a high value reward instead.

3- Another way to train OUT is by holding the toy down with your foot and lifting up gently on a leash connected to the pups collar, and give a verbal OUT command. Once the pup drops the toy push the toy away with your foot and immediately praise and reward .

4- Another way is while playing tug let the toy go “ dead”, and move up on the toy with one hand, lightly pinching the dogs lip and give a verbal OUT command.  Praise and reward when he releases. This is how dogs often take toys from each other.  Of course this method should NOT be used if there is a chance your dog will decide to keep the toy and bite the hand instead! 🙄

5- If your pup is already properly conditioned to a quality low level remote electronic collar so they understand they are to look to the handler for information when they  feel a low level stimulation from the collar- you can proof the dogs already learned OUT command by giving a light tap on the dogs e collar to reinforce the command. Praise when they release.
When proofed consistently a verbal OUT command will become very much muscle memory after a while. 

*Excessive play biting:   In many dogs under one year of age the main reason for excessive play biting is the dog having sleep deprivation.  This occurs more often in households with young children. 
Try scheduling the dog’s day with one hour of quiet crate time then one hour of play time outside the crate. Rotate throughout the day.  Repeat for a minimum of one week, then assess the dog’s behavior and schedule daily “naps” as needed.  Dogs thrive on a consistent daily schedule.

Articles on potty training, crate training, fear aggression, and more at my link below. 
Site is open to the public, and free of charge.❤️🐺❤️

https://www.facebook.com/AllBasicsDogTrainingKimChappell/