Discipline and Reward
When dealing with dogs you have to understand dog behavior. I have never met a dog that does not beg for food. Since dogs are pack animals, they feel left out if everyone is eating except for them. That is why they will beg in front of you when you are eating. They also do it because they are eating machines and love food, but they love to eat as a pack. This is to be discouraged even though some dog owners will have their dogs eating human food with them at dinner. Since dogs are not humans it is best that they eat at a separate time and with their own food.
Not to mention that if you have a guest over it is embarrasing to have them beg at their feet when they are eating. To stop this, the best way is to ignore the dog. If they put their muzzle on your lap you say ‘no’ in a stern voice and gently push their head away. When your dog realizes that they are getting no where by begging and stop, you should reward them.
What do you reward a dog that has stopped begging with? You reward them with food of course! Give them a treat, but don’t do it from the dinner table. The same goes with having your dog sleep in the same bed with you. Some owners like this, and others don’t. If you are married and it is causing trouble it is time to get the dog their own space to sleep. A nice dog bed will make them realize that they are still appreciated, and they will enjoy a comfortable bed that is thiers. First and foremost your dog wants to please you and when you draw clear lines between what is acceptable behavior and what is not, you will have a happier dog.
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