Dog begging problem? How to Stop Your Dog from Begging for Treats or Attention.

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You love your dog as any pet parent should, but who can really put up with constant whining and begging? Whether it is terrible table-side manners or nagging whimpers at your feet, a dog's begging behavior can get on anyone's nerves. Here are some simple tips to help stop dog begging and avoid it in the future.

Approaches to Avoid

  • Give In to Begging: One of the worst things you can do to perpetuate begging behavior in dogs is to reinforce the behavior by giving in. Consistently avoid treating your dog after he exhibits bad behavior or simply expect the behavior to persist.
  • Get Angry, Scream or Strike Your Dog: Hitting your dog is not the way to solve any dog behavior problems. Getting angry or punishing your dog by slapping him or yelling can result in fear and avoidance. This kind of treatment can also lead to aggression or further whimpering.

Possible Solutions

  • Ignore Begging: One of the best remedies to stop dog begging is to simply pretend it is not taking place. If you show no reaction to your dog's attempts to get a treat or table scrap, the begging will desist in time.
  • Remain Consistent: Expect the begging to get worse before it gets better. Remain consistent in your dog behavior training and he will come around. Again, giving in to the behavior, no matter how annoying it may be, only brings about a continuation of the bad behavior.

Other Tips

  • Eat When He Eats: Try feeding your dog when you or your family is eating as well. This will not only help to keep your dog on a strict schedule, but it will keep him occupied too.
  • Keep Him Busy: If you notice your dog tends to beg during specific times of the day when you are occupied, give him an activity as well. Try a chew toy like a rope, rubber ball or plush toy.
  • Wear Him Out: Often times begging is a sign of hyperactivity that can be avoided with exercise. If your dog tends to beg during dinner time, try taking him on a nice long walk or giving him a good run with a game of fetch just before you sit down to the dinner table. This will help to tire him out and decrease a host of dog behavior problems.
  • Use Dog Pheromones: Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.® (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) can significantly reduce - or even eliminate, fear and stress-related barking, whining and howling - behavior often related to separation issues or thunderstorms/fireworks. Learn more about dog behavior problems and solutions.