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[kerryjoy]

It can be annoying and, if we're being honest, a little funny to deal with a pet that is always begging for food. Those wide eyes at the dinner table have guilt-tripped anyone. Even though it may make you feel sad, letting it go on can eventually cause behavioral and health problems. I can speak from experience when I say that retraining ourselves is just as important to breaking this habit as retraining our pets.

Giving in "just this once" was one of my worst early mistakes with my dog. That was all it took for him to start begging on a regular basis. Pets are intelligent; they figure out what works. Once a tiny whine receives a treat, they will always try it. For me, consistency was crucial. Away from where we ate, I started feeding my dog at the same times each day. There are no exceptions. I also established a rule that said no one could sneak him food at the table. After a few weeks, he finally quit waiting for scraps under the table.

Positive reinforcement and distraction are also very beneficial. To help him concentrate during mealtime, I gave him a food puzzle or a chew toy. A clear message was also conveyed by ignoring the pleading—not reprimanding, just not responding. Gradually, it became clear that begging was no longer effective. Each pet is unique, of course, and some are more tenacious than others. Is stopping your pet from begging still a problem in your home, or have you discovered a strategy that truly works?

 

[TOM88]

Those beseeching eyes at the table used to always get to me, so I can say that I've been there. I initially believed that giving my dog a small bite "just this once" was harmless. A huge error. He picked things up quickly, and all of a sudden every meal felt like a guilt trip. Maintaining a feeding schedule and ensuring that everyone in the house complied with the same rule—no table scraps, no exceptions—were what really helped me. To keep him occupied during meals, I also gave him a puzzle or chew toy. It was surprisingly effective to ignore the begging—not reprimand, but simply not respond. After a while, he gave up trying. The difference was significant because, to be honest, I had to retrain myself more than he did.

 

[lioralace]

At the dinner table, I admit to giving in to those beseeching gazes—just once, I told myself. However, that "just once" became a full-fledged begging routine. I understood that I needed to be retrained. I established a rigorous no-table-food policy for everyone and began feeding my dog at regular intervals, away from the dining area. Although it wasn't easy at first, the begging gradually stopped with patience, chew toys, and food puzzles as diversions. It also really helped to ignore the behavior rather than respond to it. Meals are now quiet once more. I had to exercise self-control, but it was worthwhile for us both.