Almost every dog owner faces the problem of begging. As sweet as it is to teach your dog to beg on command, it can be annoying to constantly have your dog beg for food every time you bring out a treat or sit down for dinner. There are a few things you can do to stop your dog from begging.
Behavioral rewards
This is one of the hardest things for dog owners. Even the best owners can't resist giving in to a puppy's desperate whining to taste its favorite food. Even if you give in just once, breaking the cycle of this behavior will be a significantly greater challenge.
The Pet Owner's Guide
It can be helpful to keep your dog's health in mind when training them to resist temptation. Remembering that giving your dog crumbs from your plate can lead to obesity and other health problems in the future makes it easier to resist. You'll also help your dog become a better dog with structure and clarity.
– Use a “Place” Command
When you train your dog to obey your commands, he'll no longer be tempted to beg for food. From the mat under the kitchen sink to the dog's crate, anything can serve as a "place."
When you sit down to eat, reinforce this sequence by having your dog go to the correct spot. Remove the dog from the room (or leave the room yourself, if that's easier) for a minute or two, then come back and try again.
– Keep the dog busy
As a reward for your dog while eating, you can offer him a fun toy, like a plush Kong or a licking mat. This will keep him occupied with something he appreciates, allowing you to eat in peace.
While you're eating, you can feed your dog at the same time. Be sure not to touch the food during the meal. If a dog approaches you and begs, ignore them. Whether you've finished eating or not, make sure to remove the food bowl. Your dog will then understand that if they don't want to go hungry, they have to finish their meal.
– Put your dog to work
Many dog trainers advocate a "nothing in life is free" approach to teaching dogs that they have to work for a reward. Food, attention, walks, and anything your dog enjoys are all examples of rewards.
First, set out the food bowl and have your dog sit before letting them into the yard. It won't take long for your dog to pick up your favorite habits (i.e., the ones that get them what they want). Begging, for example, probably won't be seen as desirable behavior in the future because it benefits no one.
– Redirect the attention of a begging dog
Never give in to your dog's pleading eyes while he's begging for food. Rewarding your dog for asking for food teaches him that he'll get his way. Moreover, yelling at or scolding puppies reinforces their negative associations with people.
If the goal is to prevent begging, my advice would be to ignore this behavior. Keep frozen stuffed KONGs or your dog's food in a separate room for him to chew on, but also make sure there are opportunities for him to engage in other activities.
When puppies learn that begging doesn't get them attention or food, it can help to give them a suitable alternative.
– Reward your dog's good work
It's best to reward your dogs when they're good and don't bother you for food. Natural dog biscuits and snacks with salmon and oats are a tasty and nutritious solution for your puppy. Give them a treat while they're away from the table and not begging for it.
– Teaching problems and patterns
Consistency is key to stopping a dog from begging. A puppy can't know how delicious human food is if they've never been exposed to it. It's important that everyone who eats with your dog understands the rules.
Decide that only the dog is allowed to eat its food and treats in your home. Make sure your guests are aware of this when they come to visit.
Maintain the no-food rule at home, but also be careful when taking your dog anywhere where food is available. Tell your family and friends that your dog will not be fed at your gatherings, including barbecues and picnics. Ideally, they will follow your instructions.
– Make sitting a standard action
If the dog's owner doesn't give a command, they'll default to their usual behavior. If your dog chose to sit instead of jumping or walking around, you'd be much happier. However, how can you influence your dog's choices?
Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice sitting with your dog, the more likely he'll be to do so in the future. Reward your dog for sitting when he does so on his own initiative. This applies to all the appropriate behaviors you'd like to see while eating.
Reward your dog for being quiet while you refill his food bowl. Every time you ask your dog to sit, he'll eventually do it independently.
This isn't something you should take for granted! Reward your dog for good behavior by giving them a treat, playing with them, or throwing a ball. The more you praise your dog for sitting, the more they'll do it for you in the future. It's a way for them to say "please."
