How do I get my dog to stop begging?

Almost every dog owner will face the problem of begging. As much as it is nice to teach your dog to beg on command, it can be annoying to have your dog constantly begging for food every time you bring out a treat or sit down for dinner. There are a few things that can be done 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 the temptation to give in to a puppy’s desperate squealing for a taste of his favorite food. Even if you give in just once, it will be a much bigger challenge to break the cycle of this behavior.

The Pet Owner's Guide

It can help to keep your dog’s health in mind when training him to resist temptation. If you consider that giving your dog crumbs from your plate can lead to obesity and other health problems in the future, it will be easier to resist. Likewise, you will help your dog be a better dog with structure and clarity.

– Use a “Place” Command

When you train your dog to obey your commands, he will no longer be tempted to beg for food. From the mat under the kitchen sink to the dog's crate, anything can serve as the "place".

When you sit down to eat, reinforce this sequence by having your dog go to the correct spot. Take the dog out of 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, such as a plush Kong toy or lick mat. This will keep the dog busy with something he appreciates, so you can eat in peace.

When you are eating, you can feed your dog at the same time. Make sure you do not touch the food during the meal. If a dog approaches you and begs, ignore him. Whether you are done eating or not, make sure you remove the food bowl. Your dog will then understand that if he does not want to go hungry, he has to eat his food during the 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, walking, and anything else your dog enjoys are all examples of rewards.

First, set out the food bowl and have your dog sit before letting him out into the yard. It won’t take long for your dog to pick up your favorite habits (i.e., the ones that get him what he wants). Begging, for example, is unlikely to 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 as he begs for food. Rewarding your dog for asking for food teaches him that he will get his way. Furthermore, yelling at or scolding puppies reinforces their negative associations with people.

If the goal is to avoid begging, my advice would be to ignore the behavior. Keep frozen stuffed KONGs or your dog’s food in another room for him to chew on, but also make sure there are opportunities for him to engage in other activities.

Once 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 is best to reward your dogs when they are good and do not bother you for food. Natural dog biscuits and snacks with salmon and oats are a tasty and nutritious solution for your puppy. Treat him while he is away from the table and not begging for it.

– Teaching problems and patterns

Consistency is the key to stopping a dog from begging. A puppy can’t know how delicious human food is if he’s 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 his food and treats in your home. Make sure your guests are aware of this when they come to visit.

Keep the no-food rule in your 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 abide by your instructions.

– Make sitting a standard action

If the dog's owner doesn't give a command, he will start to show his default behavior. If your dog would choose to sit instead of jumping or walking around, you would be a lot 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 is to do so in the future. Reward your dog for sitting when he does so on his own initiative. This applies to all the correct behaviors you like to see when you are eating.

Reward your dog for being quiet while you refill his food bowl. Every time you ask your dog to sit, he will eventually do it on his own.

This is not something you should take for granted! Reward your dog for good behavior by giving him a treat, playing with him, or throwing a ball. The more you praise your dog for sitting, the more they will do it for you in the future. It is a way for them to say “please.”