Commanding The ‘OUT’
Letting Go in Dog Training
In my previous post, I talked about detachment — how stepping back, letting go, and staying present can change the way we train and the way we live. This week, I realized that lesson shows up in another place too: the “OUT” command. At first glance, it’s just teaching a dog to drop something. But really, it’s about building trust, learning release, and proving to ourselves that letting go doesn’t mean losing.
Teaching your dog the “OUT” command might seem simple at first — it’s just asking them to drop something from their mouth. But in reality, it’s one of the most powerful skills you can give your dog.
When a dog learns “OUT,” they’re learning to trust you enough to release something they value — a toy, a ball, or even a found treasure on the sidewalk. They learn that giving it up doesn’t mean they lose. In fact, it often means they win — your praise, your trust, and sometimes an even better reward.
The Training Side
When introducing “OUT,” start in a low-distraction environment. Use a toy your dog likes but isn’t obsessed with. Ask for “OUT” in a calm, clear voice, and be ready to reward immediately when they release. In the early stages, the reward is the trade — a treat or even giving the toy right back.
PRO TIP: Start with something bigger than their bite. That way their mouth has to fully open for the object. If they resist (which is natural), you can remove it more easily and then reward.
You can also toss a treat on the floor to break their focus — they’ll drop the object to get the food.
Over time, the dog learns that letting go doesn’t end the fun; it’s part of the fun, because it means the game can start fresh again.
The mistake many owners make is turning “OUT” into a power struggle. Tug harder, pull faster, get frustrated — and your dog will dig in even more. Just like in life, the harder you try to rip something away, the more resistance you face. That’s why the common theme here is simple: stop moving. Stop reacting.
The Life Lesson
The more I practiced “OUT” with Arya, the more it hit me — this isn’t just a dog command. It’s a skill people need too.
Think about it: how many times do we hold onto something in life that’s not serving us anymore? A habit, a situation, a relationship, an expectation. We grip it tightly because we’re afraid of losing it, forgetting that letting go creates room for something better.
In dog training, when a dog refuses to let go, the game stops, progress stalls, and tension rises. In life, it’s no different. Holding on too long can keep you stuck in a place you’ve outgrown.
Freedom in Letting Go
When Arya drops the toy, the fun doesn’t stop — it changes. She gets freedom, movement, and maybe even a new challenge. Letting go isn’t losing; it’s making space for something else.
And that’s the point. The moment you release what’s been weighing you down, you create space for what’s next — something lighter, something better, something you wouldn’t have been able to hold if your hands were still full.
In my previous post, I wrote about the importance of detachment in training and in life. Teaching “OUT” is just another side of the same lesson — that letting go isn’t the end, it’s the beginning of what comes next. Whether it’s a rope tug in your dog’s mouth or something in your own life, remember there’s strength in letting go. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is say, “OUT.”
