Joanna Wilson
Your dog may have a begging problem if they begin to hang around you or your family members anytime you touch food. Dogs naturally beg, but it can be unpleasant when they jump in your or your guests’ faces as soon as you sit down to eat. When a dog gives you the begging look, it can be difficult to say no.
If you’ve previously given your dog table food, they’ll most likely demand it more frequently. Dogs will always desire your food, but you can train them to ignore you while you eat. Your dog should not be given table scraps, and you should restrict the amount of human food you feed them. It’s healthier for their health and your peace of mind if you teach them to stop begging. Stopping this behavior as soon as possible will allow you and your family to eat comfortably.
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Table of Contents
Preventing Begging
The best approach to stop your dog from begging is to keep them away from you while you eat. While you eat, you can keep your dog to another room or place them in their crate. If you want them to stay in the same room, teach them to ignore you and find something else to do.
It will be most beneficial to divert their attention away from you and your food. Allow them to play in a different room or divert their attention to various activities. You can establish a fenced-in area for them to go to while food is out if you’re okay with them being confined.
Begging can also be solved by counter-conditioning your dog. Tell your dog to “lay down” or “fetch” if they begin to beg. Allowing them to play with a toy can divert their attention away from your food and help them avoid begging. If your dog still asks for food after you’ve done everything else, it’s time to start training.
Train Your Dog to Go to Their Spot
You can teach your dog to go to a specific place and sit there while you eat to get them to quit begging. Tell your dog to go to their spot if they get into your business and won’t leave you alone.
You’ll need to assign a bed or a place in the room for them to sleep. This might be a location for them to chew on bones or play with their toys. Begin by teaching the word “stay.” Teach them to “go to their spot” and show them where they need to go after they know this command.
Treats and praise should be given when they arrive at their specified spot. Before you begin practicing near food, teach this method to yourself. Ascertain that they comprehend your command without associating it with table begging. You can divert their attention and send them to their designated location once they begin to plead.
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Other Tips
By refusing to give your dog table scraps, you can help them stop begging at the table. They’ll keep hovering if they know they can collect food that way. If your dog is whimpering or barking for your food, you must tell them that it is no longer acceptable. Try to ignore their cries for food, even if it’s difficult.
Don’t chastise your dog if he begs. When your dog leaves other people’s food alone, utilize positive reinforcement instead. This will help you and your dog form a stronger bond. Place chew toys and bones in their assigned area so they can keep themselves occupied while you eat.
Setting boundaries for your dog also entails ensuring that everyone in the family adheres to them. Make it clear to relatives and friends that they are not to feed your dog, even if they appear to be begging. Maintaining consistency in your rules reduces your dog’s uncertainty and shows that begging is not rewarded.
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