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How to train swap

What are we training?

Exchange something our dog has in their mouth for something else when use the cue “swap”.

Why should we train this?

It enables us to remove an object from our dog’s mouth without force or risking it becoming a game of chasey! Our dog may pick up an object that we do not wish them to have such as a shoe, a toy or something potentially dangerous. “Swap” can help transition into teaching “drop that” and “leave that”.

You will need:

  • Treats
  • At least two items: safe toys, pig’s ear etc.
  • A marker (“YES”, clicker or other)

How to train this?

  1. Hold one item in each hand, keep one hand behind your back
  2. Give your dog one item and wait for them to engage with it (pick it up, put his paw on it etc.)
  3. Allow them to engage with it for 2 seconds
  4. Get your dog’s attention by saying their name
  5. Offer the second item and say “SWAP?” in a happy, bright voice
  6. The moment they let go of the first item, MARK this behaviour and reward by giving them the second item.

This is too hard! (How to make it easier)

  • Use a low value item (e.g., boring toy) as your first item
  • Use a higher value item (e.g., smelly treats) as your second item
  • Change up the items to suit your dog’s response, if they’re not interested in item number two, try something else!
  • Put the second item very close to your dog’s nose so they don’t need to move to get it

This is too easy! (How to make it more challenging)

  • Increase the amount of time you allow your dog to engage with the first item – can you still swap easily after 5, 10, 20 seconds?
  • Increase the distance between you and your dog – will they let you come back and swap after you have moved away? Will they come to you if you call them to swap?