5 tips if your dog is begging

You probably know it. The good intention is that your dog should NEVER learn to beg at the table...

Still, a single small piece of food may slip down over time. A slice of cheese, or a little meatball. Harmless at first, you think - but in no time at all you have a faithful companion sitting there staring down at the family during dinner.

Even if the dog has never begged before, it quickly learns that by sticking to it, it can actually get an extra snack at the table.

And what seems completely innocent and harmless, unfortunately, quickly develops into an ugly habit.

But what can you do if your dog has already developed a habit of begging?

• All feeding both from and around the table must be stopped, without exception. The dog does not distinguish between who is feeding or what is being given.
  
  
• Make sure the dog is busy with something else before you go to the table - maybe he eats treats on the lawn or has a bone, something the dog needs to spend some time on.
  
  
• The more times the dog experiences nothing at the table, the easier it becomes to divert the dog's attention.
  
  
• Maybe get your dog used to lying somewhere else while you eat, for example use a child gate to block it off for a while. This could be a solid blanket or a basket.
  
  
• Be aware of how close any leftovers are given away from the table. The dog quickly learns that leftovers are given to you in the kitchen or that you get up when there is attention for food.

Enjoy your training!