Begging at the table: it seems harmless, but can quickly become a persistent habit. Whether it's your own dog or a babysitting dog - with some patience and consistent training, you can easily unlearn this behavior. Here's how!
1. Never feed your dog from the dinner table
Every time your dog gets something while you eat, he learns that begging works.
If you want to unlearn the behavior, you have to be strict and consistent about it.
Giving in once is enough to reinforce the pattern again.
2. Don't reward begging - and enlighten others
No matter how sweet those big eyes look, don't feed.
Table scraps are often unhealthy and reinforce begging behavior.
Also ask roommates or visitors not to give in, so your dog gets one clear message: begging does not pay.
3. Reward desired behavior with healthy snacks
Give your dog a healthy reward at times when he listens well or stays quietly in his spot.
This way he learns that good behavior does pay off, but begging does not.
Healthy dog snacks are better than table scraps and help keep training fun.
4. Eat at the same time as your dog
Give your dog his meal at the same time you go to the table.
That way he is busy with his own food and pays less attention to your plate.
Moreover, a satiated dog is less likely to beg next to your chair.
5. Give adequate attention and exercise
Begging does not always mean hunger - sometimes your dog is just looking for attention.
Dogs repeat behavior that previously garnered attention, even if it is negative attention.
Take a walk together, play a game or cuddle some extra. This will eliminate the need to beg at the table.
Consistent behavior is the key. Stay calm, ignore begging and reward only the behavior you do want to see.
And should you be able to use some help, find an experienced
dog sitter in your area
which takes the same approach.
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