Easy Steps to Stop Your Dog From Begging at the Table

Easy Steps to Stop Your Dog From Begging at the Table20150813_154144

Does your dog stare at you at meal time? Does your dog have bad table manners? Then maybe it is time to make a change for the both of you. You can stop your dog from begging with just a couple training techniques. The most important factor is consistency.

The Invisible Line

You can first try the “invisible line” approach.

  • To set your dog up for success, start this training without food on the table, and slowly build up to a normal meal. It helps if your dog already knows the “stay” command.
  • Pick a spot away from the table (maybe 4-5 feet) and create an invisible line that you do not want your dog to cross until you have finished eating.
  • Lead your dog behind the line and have him sit and stay. Then sit down at the table.
  • If your dog starts to walk toward the table, get up and use your body to block him until he backs up past the invisible line again. Then have him sit down again.
  • Do not yell at your dog or physically move him in any way.
  • Once he is sitting behind the invisible line again, praise him.
  • When your dog consistently stays behind the line when you sit down at the table, then you can bring out some food and start eating. If he starts walking toward the table, then repeat the exercise again.
  • If you have more than one dog, it will help if you teach this technique individually to the dogs before putting them together.

Too much temptation

If the invisible line method is not working, there are other options that may work better.

  • Give your dog something else to do. An idea is something he can play with like an interactive toy.
  • If he is crate trained, you can contain him in his crate until you are done eating or keep him behind a baby gate in a room nearby. Avoid closing the door and leaving him in there with nothing to do.
  • If he still has struggles with impulse control, it might be a sign he needs to increase his physical exercise or his mental stimulation.
  • Depending on your dog’s health, try adding an extra walk or another game of fetch into the daily routine. The extra exercise will make training easier.

Consistency is the key to stop the begging with the help of these easy training steps to stop your dog from begging at the table. If you have any questions, feel free to call and talk to one of our doctors. 505-869-2627