Begging is a learned behavior: at some point, a whine, a stare or a paw on your knee produced food. Dogs repeat what works. To stop begging, it needs to stop working, and your dog needs something better to do during meals.
Why it matters
Beyond being annoying, table scraps add calories, can upset stomachs and some human foods are toxic to dogs, see common pet poisons and what to do. Fatty scraps can trigger pancreatitis.
Step 1: Stop rewarding begging
No food from the table, ever, from anyone. Even occasional rewards make begging stronger, like a slot machine. Agree on this with the whole family and with guests.
Step 2: Ignore the begging
Do not look at, talk to or push your dog while it begs. Expect begging to get worse briefly before it improves (an “extinction burst”); stay consistent.
Step 3: Feed your dog first
A dog that has just eaten is less motivated to beg. Schedule your dog’s meal just before yours, or give a stuffed food toy during your meal.
Step 4: Teach “go to your place”
Train your dog to go to a bed or mat and stay there:
- Lure your dog onto the mat and reward.
- Add a cue (“place”) and reward for lying down there.
- Gradually increase the time and distance.
- During meals, send your dog to its place and reward it there with its own treats.
See the cues every dog should know for the “stay”.
Step 5: Manage when needed
Use a baby gate or keep your dog in another room during meals while training, especially with small children who drop food.
Treats the right way
If you want to share, put a small piece of dog-safe food in your dog’s bowl after the meal, not from the table. Count all treats in the daily calories, see how heavy your dog should be.
Cats beg too
Cats can also learn to demand food. The same principles apply, see can I give my cat human food.
