Welcome to our “Detraining Your Pet” series, where we help you “detrain” your pet from those naughty or boring bad habits and get them back to being the best boys and girls.
It probably started with those big eyes looking at you sadly. Maybe there was even a little whimper, so you innocently threw a piece of food or a treat in your dog’s way. We get it – it’s hard to resist. But it only takes your dog once to learn that begging behaviors are rewarded. And then it becomes a wait to each meal. If your family (and visitors) are ready to have their meals in peace, here are some tips to break your dog’s begging.
The problem of begging
It starts out cute, but begging can lead to behavioral issues (like drooling on guests at your dining room table) as well as health issues. Feeding certain table scraps (eg, rich, fatty foods) can cause stomach upset, and many human foods are toxic to dogs. Plus, extra calories from table scraps can quickly add extra pounds, which can lead to weight-related health issues for your dog.
To be coherent
Once you’ve decided to tackle the problem of begging, you (and everyone else) have to stick with your decision. If you give in to your dog’s begging at some times but not at others, your expectations are confusing for him. And that only encourages them to keep begging because they know you will eventually give in. So once you decide to stop rewarding your dog’s begging behavior, you need to be consistent with your response.
Begging for attention, not food
If your dog is begging while you’re preparing or eating a meal, it’s because he wants food, right? Actually no. Often your dog just wants your attention, and he doesn’t get it while you are focused on preparing or eating your food. For these dogs, getting food in exchange for begging is a bonus – they got your attention And they also got some snacks from it.
If you think your dog East in the attention seeking category, not the food seeking category, try taking them for a walk or starting a big play session before dinner. Then provide them with a food puzzle or their favorite toy away from where you are. This way you show them lots of love and attention that will hopefully satisfy them temporarily, and you also distract them while you eat.
If your dog’s begging is really about food rather than attention, you can try giving him smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Hopefully, this will keep them feeling full longer and less likely to ask for (or steal) food from your meals.
Begging dog? What begging dog?
It’s the hardest thing to do, but the best way to teach your dog to stop begging is to ignore his behavior. Don’t look at them, don’t talk to them, pretend your dog is in another room. Yes, you will probably feel a pang in your heart as your dog’s moans and cries become more insistent as you continue to ignore them. But soon they will understand that these behaviors are no longer the golden ticket to tasty treats. Instead, you can reward good behavior, such as stopping begging and sitting quietly away from the table.
When you two can’t resist
If you really, really tried but just have To give in to your dog’s begging, be sure to use treats or snacks that are safe for dogs. Don’t just feed them table scraps on your plate because, as we mentioned earlier, this can lead to health issues. Have dog-specific treats on hand and use them instead (in moderation, of course).
With a little practice, perseverance, and “tough love,” your dog will eventually learn that begging isn’t the way to get attention or a snack. And your family and visitors can enjoy their meals without staring (or drooling!).
RELATED ARTICLE: The Five Most Common Reasons For Your Pet’s Behavior
