How to Train Your Dog Not to Beg at Dinner

Teach your dog from the very beginning that begging isn't allowed. It's much easier to prevent the habit from ever starting than to end it. Here's what you need to know.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Buster Cubes
• Dog Food
• Dog Training Aids
• Dog Treats
• Mini Buster Cubes

1. Avoid feeding your dog at the table.

2. Train your dog to perform a long "down, stay."

3. Ignore your pup completely while you eat to discourage begging behavior. That means no eye contact, no talking and no reprimanding throughout the training phase.

4. Give your dog a Buster cube - a rolling toy filled with food that drops out as the dog plays - while you eat. Use a training treat ball for smaller dogs.

5. Reward your dog with plenty of praise, affection and a treat (away from the table) after you're done with your meal.

6. Be consistent in your training. Giving in now and then will only confuse your dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that if you're ending the begging habit, your dog will get worse before getting better.
• If you can't resist giving your dog table scraps, keep him in the other room while you eat and give him the scraps later in his food bowl.

[xxspudsmomxx]

on 6/4/2009 My three pups love meal time. I had a chihuahua (now deceased) that begged loudly at our feet for table food. He did this for 14 years and we could never stop the behavior. The dogs we have now sit under the table and if we don't give them food they run to the door barking like they are protecting the house and want a food reward of our meal for looking out for the family. LOL

[Arky]

on 12/4/2008 Well, once again I have to post! I have a yorkie & a maltese..My Yorkie especially will come in the kitchen whenever he hears the ice box open or knows I am cooking, and constantly stares! I try to run him out,he is a daddy's dog and that's the only time he wants anything to do with me is when food is involved! When we eat he will only stare at me, drives me nuts and I scream at him to quit staring at me, he doesn't stare at Bob..In any case I get so ticked that I can't eat and give my food to both of them..they eat better than I do! But I have tried to break him from it, My maltese will lay down when I tell her too, But not Booger the Yorker, he just keeps it up! It get's on my last nerve!

[Petea33]

on 7/6/2007 I tried this on my wife and it worked for her too!

on 11/22/2005 When you are eating, give your dog a treat. But when you give him the treat, hide it, so the dog will be occupied while you eat.

on 11/22/2005 If possible, right from the day you take your dog home, do not give him reason to expect food at the table. Act as if he is not around...do not look at him or talk to him. After the meal, you can give him a treat and praise him for being such a good dog! If you are going to give him some leftovers from the table, be sure to bring the food to a different area, fill his bowl and then place it on the floor for him. Don't let him see that you are feeding him directly from the table. My dog usually lies down in a corner of the dining room and sleeps during our meals. Be 100% firm and insist that your children and guests are too!