It's not a secret that dogs, like people, eat whenever they feel hungry. However, many animals, with the centuries of experience behind them, don't see food as something permanent but act in a rather "the more you can get, the better" mode. If you notice your dog stealing from your table, it could also mean that she is not getting enough meals per day and is trying to supplement with additional "snacks". So before you start teaching your furry friend the polite manners, try to locate the underlining problem that could be causing this behavior and make sure your beloved pet gets an appropriate amount of food necessary for her age and weight.
It is all about discipline
Another important factor in combating this habit is discipline. Keep in mind that dogs remember your wishes much quicker and easier if it's accompanied by a treat. The table is often viewed by dogs like a huge bowl of food for humans, and you should keep it separate. If you only treat your dog once to your dinner leftovers, it would be more difficult to teach her not to steal from your table later. And when she does, you will be the one to blame.
Few things about Dog Psychology
The most difficult aspect to tackle is the psychological one. In dog's eyes, the whole family, including all "important" family members, dines at the table without any consequences. Why is she different? Also, the sight of chewing people could cause if not jealousy, then a sad feeling that she would also like to be a part of the festivities. So it might help to feed your dog before you start dining.
Important to be persistent
Research shows that it is best to make the whole kitchen/dining room a taboo area for your dog. It's more hygienic and much healthier for you and your pet. If she steps outside the tentative "border", give her a treat. If she goes in, gently escort her out to the adjacent area and immediately reward again. She will get the message very soon! And if your dog has a favorite place in the house, this could be the area to send her off to get the reward as well.
Important to start when they are young
For younger pups, it could be useful to conduct a will-power test. Place a piece of food on the edge of the table, tempting her to grab it. Then command her not to touch and reward her with the appropriate dog treat put in her plate. Younger pups get this message very well and you earn extra respect in their eyes for being able to control the situation and yet reward them fairly for their exceptional behavior!
Whichever method you choose, do not feel guilty. You are doing a good thing for your family and your pet. It is not healthy for your dog to finish your meals and beg by the table. Her dignity will be more appreciated if she has a good tasty meal in her own special bowl at her very own special place!
Have you had your dog for a while, and now you think it might be fun to teach him some tricks? Or has a young dog, or even a puppy, recently become part of your family? One of the best ways you can build a strong bond with your dog is doing dog training. It's easier to train a puppy, of course, but older dogs can also learn, with your help.
Before you begin training, make sure your dog is healthy. You can easily give your puppy a "hands-on" exam before each dog training session, checking for bruises, cuts, lumps, bumps, or any tender spots. Be sure to check in between the toes, and look at his paw-pads. It's easy to overlook small cuts in these areas. Your frequent checkups can take place while you are petting or grooming your dog. He will love your touch, and you'll become aware of anything that might need the attention of a veterinarian.
One of the easiest tricks to teach your dog is to sit, at your command. Because it's so easy for him to learn, it will increase his confidence. As well, if you start with an easy trick like this one, you'll have a firm foundation for teaching harder tricks later on.
First, find a quiet place with few distractions where you can work with your dog. In teaching this trick, you can use a food treat or a clicker, or any other positive reinforcement. The clicker works well in keeping your dog's attention on you at all times. You also want to maintain constant eye contact with your dog; this, too, helps keep his attention on you.
Begin by using simple motions. Hold a treat over his nose. Sometimes a dog will sit automatically to look at something above his head. If your dog sits down, reward him by giving him the dog treat and lots of affectionate praise. If he doesn't sit, push gently down on his backside to show him what you want him to do. Go over the process a few more times, so your dog will understand that sitting down gets him a treat and a lot of loving from you.
When your dog understands the sitting-down business, you can say "Sit!" or "Sit down!" before you dangle the treat over his nose. When he obeys, reward him again with the treat and a hug. Go through it again a few times, saying the word several times. Reward him appropriately, and soon he'll be sitting down as soon as he hears you say the word.
Don't wear your dog out with training sessions; keep them short. You can try again after a few hours. Be sure you always use the same command and rewards. Consistency from you builds your dog's confidence. Keep praising him every time he performs the trick correctly. You'll be surprised at how little time it takes to have your dog sitting at your command! Make dog training fun, and you and your dog will enjoy it!
Both Deborah Stanley & Dr. Mayra Alfonso are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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