Annoying Dog Behavior Habits: How to Stop Dog Begging

No matter how much we love our furry friends, nobody appreciates the behavior of begging. Begging is a bothersome act that some of our dogs can become accustomed to, making it challenging to stop once it starts. Whether it’s a brand new puppy in your home or a dog that has become accustomed to eating table scraps, there is always a way to deter this undesirable canine behavior.

In this article, we’ll dive into the best ways to prevent your dog from becoming a beggar, and discuss some ways to bring an end to a dog begging for good.

So why do dogs beg? In order to help us better understand the behavior, let’s dive into some of the most common reasons that our dogs beg for our food when we eat. 

• Sometimes begging is just a sign of a dog with poor manners. Since begging is a behavior that requires reinforcement, it may just mean that a dog never learned that begging is wrong. 
• Many dogs will beg simply because they have always been allowed to. Begging is often a behavior that stems from puppyhood, as dogs often learn what is acceptable when they are puppies. 
• Sometimes a dog will beg because they are hungry or not receiving enough food in their daily diet. 
• Some dogs will beg when a particularly appetizing meal is being served. It can be challenging for our furry friends to ignore the smell of a delicious dinner cooking. 
• Some dogs will have anxiety that can present as begging. If you have a particularly anxious pup or a dog that suffers from any type of GI disorder, their anxieties may increase around your mealtimes. 

The best way to prevent begging in your home is by teaching your dog that it is unacceptable from the start. Since most dogs that beg are simply used to the behavior and not have any repercussions, it shows how important it is to prevent this behavior from the moment your dog enters your home.

The best way to prevent begging in dogs is to refrain from offering your dog human food or table scraps of any kind. Though this can be tempting, this is the most common way that dogs become beggars. Dogs will learn from a young age that whining at the table will result in them getting food, so it’s essential to make sure this habit is never formed.

If your dog has already picked up the habit of begging, there are a few ways to help your pup kick the behavior for good. Some of the best ways to banish begging in your home include:

• Use a baby gate to keep your dog away from you while you eat your meals
• Crate your dog during meal times, even creating their own schedule in the process. You can offer them a treat, or bone, or anything that can get them excited to keep to themselves while you eat. 
• Schedule your dog’s meal times to coincide with yours. While some dogs may still beg on a full belly, they are less likely to beg if they are full or occupied with their own meal. 
• Tether your dog to an area that is out of your general dining area. Offer them a treat each time they sit and wait politely, eventually teaching them that this behavior is rewarded.
• Try not to yell at your dog when they beg, rather than redirect the behavior and reward the desired results.

So what if your dog continues to beg despite the measures you put into place. In order to help those difficult pups, here are a few additional tips:

• Invest in a toy that requires your dog to give their undivided attention. This can be a licking pad, a toy that makes them search for treats or any other food motivated toy that makes them work for the reward. This not only offers them an additional snack but keeps their mind busy while you eat.
• If you are unable to deter your dog from begging during your meals, it may be time to speak with your vet about any other possible causes. It’s possible that your dog is not eating enough each day, or may even suffer from a form of canine anxiety. Some anxiety and GI disorders can make your dog want to overeat, leading to constant begging. Though it is rarer, sometimes begging can tell us that our dogs need something more from us.

Begging can be a frustrating behavior of our furry friends but can be eliminated with a bit of time and effort. Be sure to review the tips we’ve listed above, and you will have a peaceful meal in no time!

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