How to Stop Your Dog from Begging at the Table
You’re absolutely certain your dog is the cutest in the world. You know it’s true! He’s perfect in every way, except for one tiny issue: he begs. Whenever you’re at the table with family or, worse, dinner guests, your furry friend is right there—whining, licking his lips, and pawing at the legs of those seated. While this behavior is understandable—after all, you make a mean meatloaf—it needs to stop. If you’re unsure how to stop your dog from begging, this article provides practical tips to get you started.
Before retraining your dog to eliminate this behavior, it’s crucial to understand its origin. If your dog has never been given food from the table, it’s unlikely he would beg. If the behavior was never rewarded, it probably wouldn’t persist.
Of course, it’s much easier to never give a dog table food than to stop begging once the behavior has been established. The good news? Stopping it is relatively simple, provided one rule is firmly established: the entire family must be on board.
This rule is critical. You may be certain you’ve never fed your dog from the table, yet he still begs. Look to your family for the culprit who’s taught your pet that begging yields rewards.
Children are often the culprits, especially if they’re picky eaters. If a child doesn’t want to eat something, and you require them to stay at the table until their plate is clear, your dog is likely waiting under the table to “help.” Unlike your child, the dog isn’t fussy—he’ll happily take chicken, broccoli, or potatoes.
However, children aren’t always to blame. Your spouse may give in to your dog’s pathetic look, or perhaps you’ve caved once or twice. Regardless of who’s responsible, the behavior must stop.
Effective Strategies to Curb Begging
Stop Rewarding the Behavior
The most critical step is ensuring your dog is never given even a scrap of table food again. This includes “special occasions.” There are other ways to treat your dog. If your family isn’t fully committed, keep your dog out of the dining area during meals. If you have a safe yard, let mealtimes be his outdoor time. Otherwise, place him in his crate or another room during meals. Once the table is cleared and food is put away, he can return.
Feed at the Same Time
Eliminate begging by feeding your dog his meal while you eat yours, preferably in a separate room. Your food likely smells more appealing than his, so this helps reduce temptation.
Be Patient
Begging can be learned in a day, but unlearning it takes time. Don’t expect it to stop after a few days. Undoing this behavior is a long process, requiring consistent effort until all signs of begging cease. It may take a while, but patience pays off.
Teach Simple Commands
Teaching basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “no” can help stop begging. Use these commands when begging begins—a firm “no” at the first whine or a quick “stay” if he approaches the table can reinforce good behavior.
Preventive Measures
It’s easier to prevent begging than to eliminate it. If you have a new puppy, never feed him from the table—even once can create a beggar. Additionally, table food isn’t ideal for your pet, as some human foods can be harmful. Stick to dog food and treats, avoiding table scraps.
While begging isn’t the worst behavior, it can make dinner guests uncomfortable and isn’t healthy for your dog. Take the time to learn how to stop your dog from begging to make mealtimes more pleasant for your family and guests.
