How To Stop Your Dog from Begging at The Table?

Have you ever had a situation when your dog followed every movement of the fork with his eyes while you were eating a meal? Or maybe your dog even sometimes barks, puts their paw and looks at you with sad eyes to get something from the table? While dogs are naturally curious, begging at the table is usually a learned behaviour.

Why Do Dogs Beg When You Eat Something?

It's likely that someone in your household, maybe one of your children or even yourself, couldn't resist those big puppy eyes and slipped them a treat from the table. This teaches your dog that begging is effective, encouraging them to continue the behaviour in hopes of more treats. Sometimes, begging is less about food and more about getting attention from their favourite humans, whether it's a treat, a pet or verbal communication. However, begging isn't always about learned behaviour or attention-seeking. A dog's exceptional sense of smell makes human food particularly tempting, making it hard for them to resist begging. They may also beg out of nutritional curiosity, seeking different foods to supplement their diet, especially if their regular food lacks certain nutrients (for a complete diet for your dog choose MyPetSays dog food). 

Tips to Stop Your Dog from Begging at The Table

Feed Your Dog Before Meal Times

One of the simplest ways to prevent begging is to ensure that your dog is properly fed before your meal times. This helps to satisfy their hunger and reduces their motivation to beg for food. Stick to a consistent feeding schedule and provide nutritious meals that meet their dietary needs.

Set Boundaries & Be Consistent

Setting clear boundaries and being consistent regarding mealtime behaviour are crucial in training your dog to understand that begging is not acceptable. By consistently reinforcing the desired behaviour, your dog will eventually learn that they will not receive any food from the table. Make sure everyone in the household understands the rules, as even one person sneaking food to the dog can undermine the training.

Ignore Begging Behaviour

Ignoring your dog's begging behaviour completely is also a very effective strategy. This means no eye contact, no talking and no giving in to their demands. Ignoring your dog sends a clear message that begging will not be rewarded and they will eventually learn that begging is ineffective.

Use Positive Reinforcement Techniques

Positive reinforcement techniques can also help eliminate your dog's begging behaviour. One effective method is to use commands such as "stay" or "go to your place" and reward your pooch with treats and praise for staying in their spot to redirect their attention away from the table. Start this training gradually, increasing the duration of their stay over time while consistently reinforcing the desired behaviour. You can also provide your dog with distractions and interactive toys during meal times to keep them engaged and occupied. Puzzle toys, stuffed Kongs or treat-dispensing toys can help redirect their attention and provide mental stimulation.

Stopping your dog from begging at the table takes time and patience, but it’s worth the effort. By being consistent and using positive reinforcement, you can teach your dog to respect mealtime boundaries.