It could have started with those large eyes that stared at you in awe. Perhaps there was an occasional snort, and you casually tossed a bit of food or pet treat toward your dog. We understand it is hard to resist. It takes only one moment to accept your dog’s request to understand that begging behaviors are reward-based. Then it becomes a norm for each meal. If you and your family (and your guests) are ready to enjoy meals with peace, Here are some suggestions to stop your dog’s habit of begging.
The problem with begging
It may appear cute at first and innocent, but it can cause behavioral issues (e.g., the drooling of guests at your dining table) and health problems. Feeding your dog with specific leftovers from the table (e.g., fat-rich, rich food) could cause an upset stomach, and some human food items are poisonous to dogs. Furthermore, the additional calories that table scraps provide can quickly increase the weight, which can cause health issues related to weight for your dog.
Be Consistent
If you choose to take on the issue of begging, if you decide to tackle the problem, it is your responsibility (and everybody else) to stick to your decision. If you accept your dog’s need to eat but not other times, the expectations you set could be more precise for them. It only encourages the dog to keep begging since they know you will eventually accept it. If you do not reward your dog’s behavior with begging, your responses should be consistent.
Begging for Attention, Not Food
If your dog begs when you’re cooking or eating the food, the reason is that they want food. Actually, no. Most dogs want to be noticed, but they’re not receiving it when you’re busy cooking and eating food. In these cases, getting food for asking for attention is a plus. They received your attention in return and took some treats out of it too.
Suppose you suspect your pet is seeking attention but not the food-seeking one; take them out for an outing or an intense play time before dinner. You can then provide them with food puzzles or their favorite toy far from your table. This way, you’re giving them lots of love and affection, hopefully pleasing them momentarily and making them feel more engaged when you eat.
If your dog’s begging is genuinely about food rather than attention, you can try feeding them shorter and more frequent meal times during the day. This is likely to keep them fuller for longer, and they’ll be less likely to beg for (or get) food during mealtimes.
Begging Dog? What Begging Dog?
It’s one of the most challenging things to accomplish. However, the most effective method to teach your dog to stop asking for money is not to be a part of it. Do not look at them or talk to them; pretend that your dog is in a separate room. Sure, you’re going to be feeling a tugging at your heartstrings as your dog’s barks and cries increase in frequency while you ignore them. However, they’ll soon recognize that those behavior patterns are no longer the key to delicious snacks. Instead, it would help if you encourage good behavior, such as when they stop asking for money and take a quiet break at the dinner table.
When Both of You Can’t Resist
If you’ve tried but need to accept your dog’s demands, ensure that you are using safe dog treats or food items. Please don’t give your pet table scraps from your plates; as we said in the past, this can result in health issues. Keep some dog-friendly treats in your pantry and utilize them instead (in moderation and, of course).
With a bit of training, persistence, and “tough love,” eventually, your dog will realize that begging isn’t the way to win attention or even a treat. Your family and guests can enjoy their meals without being gazed at (or even drooled over! ).
d over! ).
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