How to stop a dog from begging for food at the table?

Training your dog properly can help alter their excessive begging. You can give them a go-to place and command them to go there. Ignoring their begging can also help alter their behavior. You should also stop “rewarding” their begging by giving in to their wishing and giving them food and attention.

Why does my dog always ask for my food?

If you have properly fed your furry friend, it can be annoying if they still jump up on you and try to grab your food.

You can’t eat peacefully, and more often than not, you spill your drinks and get your food all over the floor.

As much as we love our fur babies, it’d be nice if they leave us alone when we eat.

“Is that even possible?”

Yes! But first, we need to look at the reasons why our dogs do this.

They’ve been “trained” to do this

Like any other behavior dogs show, begging for food and being incessant when you sit down at your table is something that they may have learned.

Dogs quickly learn certain activities if you use positive reinforcement.

“But I didn’t train my dog specifically to ask for food!”

Yes, you did not. However, if you always give in to their wishes and give them food and attention, and even pet them when they beg for food, this can be considered training.

You need to stop giving your pups what they want when it comes to begging for food, especially if you know they’re already full.

They’re predisposed to eat when food is available

In modern days, dogs may already have routines and specific nutrients they can get from their dog food. 

However, your furry friend’s ancestors did not have this luxury. Sometimes, they can go for days roaming and hunting for food to no avail. That’s why when they do see food, they try to eat as much as possible.

This behavior can still be present in your domesticated furry friend. Whenever they see you eat, their prey drive will tell them to eat with you - that’s just how they’re wired.

You really can’t fight with natural urges; however, what you can do is give your dog commands to make them go to a specific area in your house. This way, you can quickly tell them to go to their corner when they misbehave. Treat this as a redirection instead of punishment.

Their food is full of fillers

Some dog food companies cheap out on the quality of their products. This is the reason why you should check the quality of your pup’s food.

When their dog food is heavy on fillers such as grains, it can make your pup get hungry after a short period.

“What do I need to check when looking for dog food, then?”

Try to buy brands that have a healthy source of protein, such as:

• Beef.
• Salmon.
• Chicken.