Begging is a learned behavior and it may be hard to change. Your dog has likely learned that her plaintive whimpers and sad eyes work on humans.
Set clear boundaries for your dog and ensure all family, friends and visitors adhere to them. Consistency is the key to stopping begging!
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Preventing the Behavior
Dogs beg for food for one of two reasons; either they’re hungry, or have learned that jumping up on tables will get them some delicious human scraps. No matter why they beg, this behavior should not be tolerated – and neither should it affect either party involved.
For best results, to stop your dog from beggary is to keep them away while you eat. This can be accomplished either through teaching them their spot on command, or using a gate to keep them out of your dining area during meal times. Be sure that everyone in your household agrees on this strategy so your pup won’t learn that begging works!
Your dog may take time to realize that begging is ineffective; they may go through a cycle known as an “extinction burst”, repeating their behaviors until they learn that begging doesn’t work.
Teaching Your Dog to Go to His Place
Begging for food may be tempting, especially when your furry companion lays down at your feet with those big eyes and pitiful puppy-dog eyes, but remember that begging is learned behavior; once you give in once, encouraging it again becomes much simpler.
To stop your dog from begging during meal times, confine them in another room or confine them in their crate or bed until you’ve finished eating. A baby gate may help separate them from the table if necessary, while teaching your pup “place” can ensure they can lie down when asked and lie on their dog bed or mat when instructed.
Reward them with clickers or marker words when they stay put during meals to reinforce this behavior and give your dog positive associations to his spot. Be patient and consistent – over time the behavior should become less frequent.
Distracting Your Dog
Dogs that whine or whither at the table may be trying to communicate that they want food that is not theirs; it is important not to reward this behavior with food rewards.
This means not looking or talking to them while eating, and ensuring all family members and guests follow suit. Your dog may take time to realize begging doesn’t work, but with consistent effort it will eventually give up trying.
As much as possible, try keeping your dog away from the table using tools like pet gates, pens and crates. Once inside one of these spaces, provide chew toys or puzzles filled with treats so they are distracted from looking at table scraps. In a crate setting, teach them to lie down and settle so as not to feel abandoned while eating! This way they won’t feel left out!
Reinforcing the Behavior
Dogs tend to repeat behaviors that they find rewarding, such as eating or begging for food. If this is happening in your household, make a rule that no one feeds your beggar from tables or anywhere they might be eating from. Over time this behavior should become less noticeable; just stay consistent!
Management tools such as baby gates, crates or dogs’ beds can be effective tools in keeping your dog away from accessing the table during meals. Train them to go their place on command and encourage them by giving treats there – often this approach is more successful than trying to teach your pup not to beg! Be patient as this takes time but eventually you will reach success – don’t give up! Our OVRS team are more than happy to provide further advice or answer any questions.
