How to teach your puppy the release command?

Yes, better ways do exist.

First, do NOT give the command in a high-pitched or excited voice. That indicates "play", not something serious, you want done, pronto.

2) I think the shorter & more crisp (1 syllable) command "GIVE" or OUT is better than the looooooong (2 syllable) "Release" command. When you say "GIVE" do so in a LOWER tone of voice like a guy (in a commanding manner, that brooks no arguement).

3) To have this work, you need to teach it; not try to do it only when the need arses. Therefore, have the dog sit in front of you on leash. run the leash under yoru knee to hold the dog in place. Give the dog a toy or bone it likes (& will hold in its mouth). It is perfectly ok to also tell the dog "TAKE IT" when you give or place said item, in the dog's mouth.

4) Next, say "GIVE in an authoritative manner in your NEW lower voice. If the dog does NOT give it up =>put your left hand OVER the muzzle & squeeze down on each upper canine (fang tooth) with the dog's gum between you & the upper canines on each side. The pressure of the gum on the tooth, WILL cause the dog to let go, if you apply ENOUGH. When the mouth does open, remove the item & praise the dog. Give a treat.

Repeat, repeat, repeat.

I have trained dogs and the best way to get each one to release something (usu. toys), it to say, in a simple, low-voice, "Drop".......with you hand held under his mouth. Many times, they are teasing you and KEEP the item for fun. Small treats make a big difference. They find "when they mind--they get the treat!"

have you ever tried reading the dog training books by kyra sundance? she's an awesome trainer who only uses positive reinforcement and gets great results. i use her methods to train my guinea pig, and so far he's learnt 15 tricks. he can play soccer, and right now he's learning how to play basketball. you can check her out on youtube. she also has a website http://domorewithyourdog.com/pages/domorewithyourd...

and you can get her books from amazon (best prices), her site, chapters, etc.

i'm sure your dog is more than capable, it's just a matter of learning how, and keeping it fun. good luck. :)

Why do you people think that the dog has to do anything? You gave the command, the dog has to do NOTHING, it can sit there, it can walk away, it can fart, whatever, but it does NOT have to move, end of.