Take ItDog takes an offered object into their mouth
The foundation for every retrieve-based skill. Some dogs grab anything; others need to be taught that mouthing an object is allowed and rewarded. Start with something the dog already likes holding.
Also known as: Get It, Hold
At a glance
- Tier
- 0 · Foundational
- Time to fluency
- 1–4 weeks
- Practice
- 5× per week, 5 min each
- Equipment
- Small soft treats, A variety of safe objects (toy, dowel, soft bumper)
How to teach take it
Lure
Hold an object near the dog's mouth with a treat behind it
- Start with a toy the dog already likes, not a random object
- Hold the toy still and let curiosity do the work
- Mark the instant the mouth touches the object, even a lip brush
- Gradually delay the mark so the dog holds longer before the click
- If the dog will not mouth anything, rub a treat on the object
Hand Signal
Present the object with an open palm beneath it
- Offer the object at the dog's mouth height, not above
- Once they take reliably, present from further away so they reach
- Vary objects once the concept is solid: fabric, plastic, wood
Verbal Cue
Name the action as the dog commits to grabbing
- Add the word once the take is reliable, not before
- Say the cue, present the object, mark and reward
- Use a calm voice. Excitement can make mouthy dogs too rough
Success criteria
- Unlearned
- Ignores offered objects or only sniffs
- In progress
- Takes on the word alone, holds until asked to release
- Mastered
- Takes unfamiliar objects on cue and holds calmly until released
Common mistakes
- Pushing the object into the dog's mouth, which makes them pull away
- Only practising with one object, so the skill does not generalise
- Forgetting to teach a hold duration before moving to retrieves