Need to Stop the Begging?

Begging at the table is a behavior most often encouraged, unintentionally, by the pet owner. It’s easy to sympathize with that pleading look and offer a small taste of your sandwich, a nibble of chicken, or a sliver of dessert. But while it might seem harmless in the moment, letting your dog beg reinforces a habit that can become increasingly difficult to break.

Giving the occasional scrap isn’t usually dangerous, but making it a regular occurrence teaches your dog that begging gets results. For some, that leads to frustration at mealtimes and reinforces an unwanted pattern. The good news? With patience and consistency, begging is one of the easier behaviors to stop, especially when you start early.

So, what can you do to curb this habit? Experts suggest a handful of practical steps:

• Feed your dog before your own meal so they’re not hungry when you sit down.
• Designate a comfy spot for your dog to wait during family meals.
• Ignore begging and redirect attention to a toy or their bed.
• Teach basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “go to place.”
• Praise and reward calm behavior rather than giving in.
• Physically block access to the table if needed.

It may be tough to resist those soulful puppy eyes, but staying firm and consistent will pay off. Not only will your mealtimes be more peaceful, but you’ll also help your dog develop better manners and healthier habits.

Source:
S. Paretts. Beggars Can’t Be Choosers: How to Stop Your Dog from Begging at the Table. American Kennel Club. Retrieved September 2020 from:  https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/beggars-cant-be-choosers-how-to-stop-your-dog-from-begging-at-the-table/

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