After a long day, the last thing you want is a pair of pleading eyes (and whining) aimed at your dinner plate. Begging can feel annoying — and in some cases, unsafe (especially if the food you’re eating isn’t safe for him)
But the good news is that you can teach your dog to stop. It just takes consistency, a bit of training, and some smart routines.
Here’s why dogs beg, why it’s important to curb the behavior, and exactly how to do it.
Why Dogs Beg
Begging is both learned and instinctual.
1. They Know It Works
If your dog ever got a bite of your dinner — even once — he learned that begging = reward. And dogs repeat behaviors that pay off.
2. It’s Part of Their Nature
Dogs evolved from scavengers. Hanging around humans and hoping for food is built into their DNA. Over time, they’ve become masters at using cute stares and tiny whines to get what they want.
Why Stopping Begging Matters
Teaching your dog not to beg helps everyone:
- You can finally eat in peace.
- It protects your dog’s health. Human foods can be unsafe — and too many table scraps can lead to obesity, diabetes and joint problems.
- It prevents bad habits from becoming lifelong behaviors.
How to Stop Your Dog From Begging
With a mix of training, management and consistency, your dog can learn to relax during meals instead of hovering under your chair.
1. Feed Your Dog Before You Eat
Give your dog his meal in a separate room right before you sit down. A full stomach makes begging far less tempting.
Try to keep mealtimes consistent. When your dog knows when his dinner happens, he’s less likely to expect food from yours.
2. Teach “Go to Your Place”
One of the best ways to stop begging is to train your dog to settle somewhere else during meals.
- Choose a “place” — a bed, mat, crate, or comfy corner.
- After you finish eating, bring your dog into the room and send him to his spot.
- Reward him there with a special dog treat like these natural dog biscuits (not from the table).
Over time, start having him in the room earlier and earlier during meals. Eventually, sitting at the table will be his cue to go relax in his spot.
Give him something to work on there, like a stuffed KONG or a chew, so he stays busy.
3. Don’t Reward Begging — Ever
This is the rule.
Even giving him a dog treat when he begs reinforces the same idea: begging = food.
Ignore whining, pawing, staring, or nudging.
No touching.
No talking.
No eye contact.
And make sure everyone in your household follows the rule, too. One person slipping food “just this once” can undo days of progress.
4. Reward Calm Behavior (Away From the Table)
When your dog isn’t begging — maybe he’s lying down quietly or totally minding his own business — reinforce that instead.
But don’t hand food from your plate.
Stand up, walk to your dog’s spot, and give him a treat there. This teaches him that good manners, not begging, get him rewards.
5. Redirect With an Alternative Behavior
If your dog starts begging, ask him to:
- Fetch a toy
- Go lie down
- Sit or stay
Replacing begging with another behavior helps break the pattern and shifts his focus away from your food.
6. Block Access to the Table
Sometimes the simplest solution is physical management:
- Use a baby gate or pet gate to block the dining area.
- Put your dog in his crate with a chew.
This prevents him from practicing the behavior while you work on training.
Make sure you give your pup something else to keep him busy while you’re eating too, like an interactive toy.
7. Stay Calm — Never Scold
Getting frustrated or yelling doesn’t help.
Dogs beg because they’re hopeful, not stubborn.
Scolding gives attention (which can reinforce begging) and can make mealtime stressful for your pup.
Ignoring is always more effective than reacting.
8. Work With a Trainer If Needed
If your dog’s begging is intense or you need a personalized plan, a trainer can help you build a routine that works for your home.
Can Dogs Have Table Scraps?
If you occasionally want to share, do it after your meal and away from the table so you don’t reward begging.
Only offer small, safe bites — and avoid these food:
- Onions and garlic
- Bones
- Spicy or fatty foods
- Anything with sauces, seasonings or sweeteners
Always double-check if a food is dog-safe.
You Can Break the Begging Habit
Begging is tempting to give in to — those puppy-dog eyes are powerful. But with consistency, structure, and positive reinforcement, your dog can learn that mealtime isn’t a free-for-all.
A little patience now means peaceful dinners (and a healthier dog) for years to come.
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