Your dog may have a problem with begging if he starts to flock around you or your family as soon as you touch something to eat. Dogs tend to beg, but it can be annoying if they jump in your or your guests' face as soon as you sit down to eat. When dogs give you their pleading look, it can be difficult to say no.

If you have ever given your dog table food, he's likely to be even more persistent in asking for it. Although dogs always want your food, you can teach them to leave you alone while you eat. Your dog should not be given leftovers, and you should limit the amount of human food you give him. It is better for his health and your peace of mind if you teach him to stop begging. If you stop this behavior as soon as possible, you and your family can eat undisturbed.

Our dogs are beggars by nature, and they are so good at it that we usually give in. We have probably all said, "Oh, look, he's hungry," and given our dog a bite of our dinner. And without realizing it, we have only reinforced their bad habits.

I am not going to lie; those doggy looks are hard to resist. However, if you really want to teach your dog not to beg, you have to learn not to give in.

H2: Why Do Dogs Beg?

In other words, dogs beg because they are hungry. Begging is a natural behavior for dogs. So, if you have reinforced it, it will take a lot of time and effort to stop it.

Many years ago, wolves began to look for human food. They began begging humans for scraps of food, and the tamer the wolves became, the more extra food they received. Begging is not strange or rude to your dog, it is natural.

Domesticated dogs are genetically programmed to seek out food opportunities from humans. And because they are keen observers, they quickly figure out that begging will get them something. This is one of the most common complaints from pet owners, but there's reason to be optimistic. You just need to consistently keep your dog away from your food while you eat.

H2: Tips to Stop Your Dog from Begging

H3: Feed Your Dog First.

Feed your dog immediately before you sit down to eat, preferably in a room separate from your dining area. If you give your dog a tasty meal, he will be too busy enjoying the delicious morsels of real beef in this delicious food to bother you with begging while you eat.

Melissa McCue-McGrath, certified dog trainer in Boston, MA, co-training director of the New England Dog Training Club and author of Considerations for the City Dog, suggests that eating in a room away from the eating area is also an acceptable way to manage begging behavior by preventing it in the first place.

H3: Do Not Reward the Behavior.

One of the most difficult aspects for dog owners is dealing with this behavior. Faced with begging puppy eyes, it's hard not to give in and take a small bite out of your plate or snack bowl every now and then. Unfortunately, if you give in even once, it will be all the more difficult to stop this behavior.

It can be helpful to keep your dog's health in mind as you try to train yourself not to give in. When you remember that feeding your dog leftovers from your plate can lead to obesity and a variety of health problems in the long run, it becomes much easier to resist.

H3: Keep the Dog Busy

You can keep a special toy, such as a stuffed Kong, to give to your dog during meals. This way, you can keep your dog busy with something fun while you enjoy your own meal in peace.

Another option is to feed your dog while you are having your meal. Put the food down for the duration of the meal. If a dog comes to you begging for food, ignore it. Pick up the food bowl when your meal is finished, whether it is eaten or not. If your dog does not want to starve, he will quickly learn that he must eat his own food at mealtimes.

H3: Teach Your Dog Basic Obedience.

You can teach your dog basic obedience commands such as "sit," "stay" and "leave it" to discourage impulsive behaviors such as begging. Simply tell your dog to "sit" and "stay" if he keeps jumping on your lap and begging for food while you are eating. This will stop the obnoxious behavior.

Give your dog the "leave it" command if someone accidentally drops food on the floor and he tries to reach it.