This is the second post in a series looking back at the basics of obedience training. Although we have spoken about these topics before, it is always a good idea to review the basics! So let’s get started and review how to keep your dog from begging at the dinner table.
Is your fluffy canine a master at giving puppy eyes? It can be hard to resist that sweet face as they sit at your feet while you eat a meal. But allowing your dog to eat table scraps has many negative impacts–it reinforces the begging behavior, meaning that your dog is more likely to continue begging and will probably amp up the theatrics; many human foods are toxic to dogs; and giving them scraps in addition to their regular food contributes significantly to obesity. Promote good health and good behavior by teaching Fido not to beg and rewarding that behavior instead.
- Feed your pup before you begin your dinner–preferably in a separate room from where you eat. This will help teach Fido to only expect food in the room where they’re fed, and not in the dining room where your family eats.
- It may also help to walk your dog before dinner, if your schedule allows. A walk will get out some of the energy that they would otherwise put into begging and getting in your way during your meal, giving you a better-behaved dog.
- Review their basic “sit”, “stay”, and “leave it” commands. The stronger they are in knowing these commands, the easier it will be to keep them out of your face and away from begging for table scraps. “Leave it” also comes in handy when cooking and you drop something on the floor–especially a toxic food like chocolate or grapes.
- Make sure you have things for your dog to do instead of begging. Providing alternatives that are appealing is key–have them go lay down on a soft bed or couch nearby, or give them their favorite bone to chew on while you all eat. If it’s possible to send them somewhere away but still close enough to see and hear you, Fido will still feel included without having to beg. Dogs are smart, and most will quickly pick up on this pattern. If they try to leave their spot and come beg, bring them back and use the “Stay” command.
- Don’t forget tasty rewards! When Fido is behaving and sitting away from the table, be sure to reward them with treats. While you may be tempted to have them come to you for their reward, this isn’t wise–if they are receiving treats at the table, you’re accidentally reinforcing the behavior you want to change! Instead, get up from the table and give them their reward at their designated space away from the table. It’s annoying to have to get up every few minutes to give them a treat, but it’ll be easier once they master this behavior and no longer beg.
- If your pup is particularly persistent with begging or you don’t feel that you have time to train them to stay away from the table on their own, you can simply remove their access to your dining table and kitchen. This may mean setting up baby gates, or perhaps closing them in a different room. However you choose to block their access, remember to still provide that alternative enrichment for them–a favorite toy, a puzzle feeder.
Need more help? Call the experts at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training. We are committed to helping Sarasota, Bradenton and Parrish dog owners to teach their dogs to be happy and healthy members of the family.
