The Begging Dog
from Good Dog Training Books

Stopping The Begging Dog Habits

If there is one thing that drives people crazy about dogs it's the begging dog, and if you own a dog that practices this maneuver to gain food you are no stranger to the aggravation it can cause.

A dog that begs is extremely annoying, and this is something that can actually make a meal time a big hassle.

You do not want to yell at or scold your dog for this type of behavior; rather you need to find a way to completely distract them from the food source on to something else entirely.

No Fault

You cannot really blame a begging dog, as you are sure that your food tastes much better than theirs does. Dogs enjoy food and they love to eat. This is why they go after your food so hard, as they enjoy the thought of food even if they are not really hungry at all.

The worst thing you can do when a dog starts to beg, is direct them to something different. Their food or a treat that you have laid out for this specific occasion usually works well. This can take the dog from the table, and they will not feel like they are missing out of something else. There are many treats that are designed to make a dog appreciate their food and this is meant to keep them from wanting yours. These foods can be found at many specialty shops and or pet stores today.

Remove Them

If you have a begging dog at the dinner table, you may have no other alternative than to remove them from the room and pen them. If the dog has its own crate or pen, you can shut them in during the meal and release them once all food sources have left the table. This may seem cruel in parts, yet it is a very important reminder to the dog that this type of behavior is not to be tolerated.

If the animal does not have their own crate or pen, you may have no other choice but to lock them in another room or to place them outside for the time being. Scolding the dog for something that they only know as natural is not the best way to teach them that they should not beg. Good training techniques early on will also help set the stage for a dog that is well behaved.

Do Not Punish

If you have a begging dog, one of the worst things you can actually do is punish them for this action. This will not accomplish anything, and you will be making it difficult for the dog to have complete trust in you. You need to gently remove the dog from the table, and take them always from the source. This coupled with a reassuring and calm voice will go a long way in providing not only the final word, but also a simple lesson at the same time.

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