How to Teach Your Dog to Put Toys Away
Imagine this: you say "clean up," and your dog picks up their toys one by one and drops them into a basket. It sounds like a fantasy, but it's a completely trainable skill that dogs of all breeds can learn. Teaching your dog to put toys away is fun, mentally stimulating, and — let's be honest — incredibly impressive at dinner parties.
Here's your step-by-step guide to teaching this crowd-pleasing trick.
Why Teach This Trick?
Beyond the obvious practical benefit of a tidier home, teaching "clean up" offers:
- Mental stimulation — It's a complex, multi-step behavior that challenges your dog's brain
- Bonding — Training sessions strengthen your relationship
- Confidence building — Successfully learning complex tricks boosts your dog's confidence
- Foundation for other skills — The component behaviors (fetch, carry, drop) transfer to many other tricks
Prerequisites
Before starting, your dog should reliably know:
- Fetch/take it — Picking up an item on cue
- Drop it — Releasing an item on cue
- Basic impulse control — Ability to focus during short training sessions
If your dog doesn't know these yet, teach them first. Each takes about 1-2 weeks of consistent practice.
Step-by-Step Training Guide
Step 1: Drop Into the Basket (Week 1)
Start with one toy and a basket or box.
- Hold a toy over the basket and ask your dog to "take it"
- When they grab the toy, say "drop it" while the toy is directly over the basket
- When the toy falls into the basket, mark with "yes!" and reward generously
- Repeat 10-15 times per session, 2-3 sessions per day
Use a fun toy like the Coffee Cup Plush Toy — lightweight and easy for your dog to grab and release.
Step 2: Carry to the Basket (Week 2)
Gradually increase the distance between the toy and the basket.
- Place the toy 1 foot from the basket
- Cue "take it" and guide your dog to the basket
- Cue "drop it" over the basket
- Mark and reward
- Gradually increase distance: 2 feet, 3 feet, across the room
Step 3: Add the Cue (Week 3)
Once your dog reliably carries the toy to the basket from across the room:
- Place the toy on the ground
- Point to it and say "clean up" (or whatever cue you prefer)
- Guide if needed, but try to let them figure it out
- Massive reward when they put it in the basket
Step 4: Multiple Toys (Week 4+)
This is the hardest part. Start with two toys.
- Say "clean up" and let your dog get the first toy
- Reward when it's in the basket
- Say "clean up" again for the second toy
- Gradually add more toys
Use distinctly different toys to make it easier — like pairing the Avocado Plush Toy with the Golden Goose.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Dog Won't Pick Up the Toy
Go back to basics. Play fetch with the toy first to build interest, then retry the training. Some dogs are more motivated by specific toys — find what works.
Dog Drops the Toy Before Reaching the Basket
Shorten the distance. The dog needs more practice at close range before increasing the carry distance.
Dog Gets Distracted by Multiple Toys
Start with just two toys far apart from each other. Only add more when two-toy cleanup is reliable.
Dog Loses Interest
Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes). End on a success. Use high-value treats. Make it a game, not a chore.
Pro Tips
- Use the same basket every time — consistency helps your dog understand the goal
- Place the basket in the same spot initially; vary location later
- Celebrate every success enthusiastically
- Practice after exercise when your dog is calm but alert
- Film your progress — it's incredibly satisfying to watch back
Which Dogs Learn This Fastest?
While any dog can learn cleanup, some breeds excel:
- Retrievers — Natural carriers; they love this game
- Border Collies — Smart and eager to learn complex tasks
- Poodles — Highly trainable and motivated
- Australian Shepherds — Love having a "job" to do
The Barkin Bag and Chewnel Bag are fun, easy-to-grab toys that work well for cleanup training.
Final Thoughts
Teaching your dog to clean up their toys is one of the most impressive and practical tricks you can train. It takes patience — typically 4-6 weeks of consistent practice — but the result is a dog who tidies up on command. Not only is it useful, but the training process itself provides valuable mental stimulation that keeps your dog sharp and happy.
