Doggy Dining Dilemmas…

The average pet owner will surely admit that no one is perfect, including our dogs! When it comes to dog training, each family must decide for themselves which issues are important, and which can be overlooked.

However, some things are easier to ignore when no guests are around… such as begging at the table. The frequently tolerated sad eyes, beseeching stares, whining, or pawing at your lap are bound to lose their charm when company is visiting!

Of course, if you have a puppy you can prevent a begging problem from occurring in the first place by simply not introducing any table scraps into your dog’s life. For adult pets who already have this habit, it can be more of a dog training challenge.

The first step in curtailing this problem is to make your dog think there is no possibility of getting any people food. (Yes “people food givers”, it’s time to pay the piper!) Refrain from giving scraps altogether, especially at the table. Remember, you are training your dog, he is not supposed to be training you. Dogs are smart, and even those who get leftovers in their dish are likely to “pressure you” because they know it’s coming.

Next, remember that obedience commands are intended to be used as a way of life for your dog. Practice obedience training with your pooch daily to earn his respect. Then, use the down/stay during every meal so he learns this is the expected position during your dining. In the beginning you may find that as soon as you sit down, your dog gets up. This can be alleviated by using your dog’s leash so you don’t have to get up and catch him every time he breaks the command. Be sure to praise your dog verbally when he settles down and relaxes. It can be helpful to make sure he has something to do, such as chew one of his Nylabones or sterilized natural bones.

With consistency on your part, you will no longer need the leash and your dog will automatically assume the down/stay position during meals. Practice this exercise at every meal or snack you eat, and your dog will soon have no interest in the human’s eating table! Also, when you do have company, your dog will already know not to beg.