With a little willpower and discipline, begging can be one of the easiest behaviors to correct. Follow these simple tips to turn your pleading pup into a productive member of society once more!
- Do not give food to begging dog. This tip may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how few people consider it when they’re looking into the eyes of their beloved canine companion. Giving food is a form of affection, and giving affection reinforces the behavior preceding it. Your dog has learned that if he begs, he gets food! Find the willpower to withhold that food, and your dog will learn that he can’t expect rewards for begging behavior.
- Ignore begging dog. Begging is an attention-seeking behavior. Rather than give in to your dog’s demands, ignore the behavior and teach your dog that it does not get results!
- Don’t feel sorry for your dog.Your dog is well-fed. You should know; you feed him! He is not in danger of going hungry if you don’t give him that scrap off the table, so don’t feel sorry for him when he flashes you those doughy eyes and places a single paw forlornly on your leg.
- Use discipline consistently. In any kind of training, consistency is the key to success. Inconsistent enforcement of the rules leads to an inconsistently obedient dog! Make sure that all family members understand and enforce the same rules.
- Be patient. Few dogs change overnight. Stay consistent and don’t give up. Your reward will be a better behaved dog!
Have you mastered dog begging? Share your tips with us.
