Teaching Take It

Hold a toy near your dog's mouth and say "take it." Most dogs mouth it out of curiosity. The instant their teeth close on it, mark and reward. If your dog hesitates, rub the toy with a treat so it smells like food.

Now build a hold. After your dog takes the item, wait before you mark: one second, then three, then five. This teaches that keeping the object earns the reward, not just grabbing it. If they drop it before your marker, that is fine. Reset calmly and ask for a shorter hold next time.