Stop Dog Begging
Are you frustrated by your dog’s persistent and annoying begging for food (which is actually an aspect of control)? Do you need help to stop the dog begging? Turn this situation around by realizing that dogs learn to beg by getting rewarded for the behaviour.
Any time someone gives pieces of food in response to their dog’s appeals, they are reinforcing the dog begging behaviour. With the best of intentions, people inadvertently train their dogs to beg. So forget about blaming, the demanding behaviour is now present and you can eliminate it by assuming the correct leadership role and by providing simple and consistent training.
Incessant Begging Spoiling Mealtimes? Click for Help
Why Do Dogs Beg?
Most commonly, dogs learn to beg when they are small, cute, and irresistable. Humans love their pets, so it seems natural to toss little Fido treats and snacks to show him that love. Actually, this soft-heartedness unknowingly creates a little begging bounder who quickly develops expectations for food every time he asks. You need your will power now to change the behaviour of your four-legged friend – it is not too late – be the dominant leader and instill the rules.
What To Do
First things first – muster up that will power and tell everyone in the house to do the same. Consistency is the key. Actually, the whole family pack must be trained not to give in to begging. Do not reward the begging – ignore it. Even though it is difficult, just pay no attention.
Train your dog to stay in a certain place away from the table at mealtimes. You can use a mat, his kennel or crate, or even put him in another room to help you maintain this control. If everyone is consistent with the proper training procedure, you will have success sooner.
How then do you handle your dog’s mealtimes? Your choice: feed him when the family is eating, but in a separate area. Or you can assert your dominance, which is something dogs understand, and put him in the lay down position when the family sits down to eat. After everyone is finished, feed him a good and tasty meal of his own food. Reassure and praise him when he is lying quietly by telling him he is a good boy.
Your dog will not know what is happening at first and he may decide to put up a fight by whining and complaining, perhaps jumping and otherwise getting in your space. Some go to the extreme of engaging in hostile barking or dangerous snapping at food. You must not give in no matter how pitiful the display of disgruntled or alarming behaviour. And you must persevere with the process for a while – one slip can undo a lot of work.
To avoid regression into the begging behaviour again, don’t forget to alert your guests to the way you are training your dog. Tell them you don’t want them to help your dog beg. A united front of kind consistency will give you good results.
Good Luck.
Incessant Begging Spoiling Mealtimes? Click for Help
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