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With its fantastic foods and mouthwatering aromas, Thanksgiving is one of the most delicious days of the year. As family members gather around, most of us look forward to dinner as the highlight of the day. But will your begging dog detract from the occasion?
While owners complain about begging, most don鈥檛 realize that they have trained their dogs to do it. Since the first day the adorable puppy came home, their owner might have succumbed to the dog鈥檚 pleading expression during a meal at least once 鈥� and so it began. But whether you have a new puppy or an old dog who has been begging for years, we have some simple steps you can take to stop begging before the holidays.
How to Stop Begging Before it Begins
If your dog is a new addition to the family and hasn鈥檛 had time to become an expert moocher, the easiest way to eliminate begging is to make sure it never starts. But, how?
- No one in the family should feed the dog one single morsel from the table
- Don鈥檛 put plates down on the floor for your dog to lick after you finish eating
- Any attention at the table will give your dog a reason to keep trying
- Right before you sit down to eat, feed your dog, preferably in a room separate from where you eat
Before the holidays is an excellent time to teach your dog commands like 鈥�go to your place,鈥� so your dog finds their bed or crate and stays there during mealtime. This command is especially great for when you鈥檙e cooking, opening the door for guests, and yes, enjoying a peaceful meal.
How to Stop Habitual Begging
Is your dog a seasoned pro at getting what they want from your table during meals? It will take repeated training to stop begging and instill better table manners, including:
- During smaller meals like breakfast and lunch, practice ignoring your dog
- Don鈥檛 acknowledge your dog at the table in any way, positively or negatively
- Reward positive behavior after mealtime.
- Teach your dog basic obedience such as 鈥�sit,鈥� stay,鈥� and 鈥�leave it.鈥�
- Keep your dog occupied. Give them an acceptable alternative to begging, like an or a bully stick.
Your dog鈥檚 behavior may get worse before it gets better. When a ploy works for dogs and suddenly stops, they actually try harder before they eventually give up. But if you persevere, your dog will learn.
Until their manners have reliably improved, put your dog in their with a treat or before you even sit down to dinner. It鈥檚 also a good idea to do this on the actual holiday, as guests will be prime targets for begging. Some guests may even give in to your dog鈥檚 begging without you knowing.
Don鈥檛 forget about the plates of cookies, nuts, and snacks that are out for guests, either. While you鈥檙e busy preparing food and talking to others, your dog may take advantage of your distraction and help themself.
Can Dogs Have Any Leftovers?
If you choose to give your dog a special piece of leftover meat or other dog-safe Thanksgiving foods, only do so once dinner is over. Take the treat away from the table and put it in their bowl.
Many people believe that getting a taste of human food in any setting will cause a dog to start begging, but it鈥檚 the 鈥渨hen,鈥� not the 鈥渨hat.鈥� Giving your dog a few bits of leftover turkey or carrots on top of their dog food isn鈥檛 the same as handing them food from your plate during your dinner. Be sure that your pet only gets foods that are healthy for them, so nothing with lots of fat, onions, or spices. There are also dog-safe pumpkin recipes written specifically for canines.
If you鈥檙e not sure about a particular food, don鈥檛 give it to your dog. With that said, have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving, and don鈥檛 forget to take your dog on a nice long walk after the big meal. It will be good for both of you.