Does your dog sit by the dinner table with those big eyes, hoping for scraps? Begging might seem cute at first, but it can quickly turn into an annoying (and even unhealthy) habit. The good news is you can stop this behavior with a few consistent strategies that keep both you and your pup happy.
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Why Dogs Beg
Dogs beg because it works! If they get a bite of food even once in a while, they learn that begging pays off. Over time, this can lead to weight gain, bad manners, and sometimes even health problems if they’re given the wrong foods.
If your dog is already overweight, begging makes things worse. See my full guide on How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight (includes video!) for more tips on feeding and exercise.
When I was a kid, we had a Poodle named Pepi. I admit we did share food with him. He’d sit near the dining room table every single night, and when the family was finished with dinner – only then – he’d go to his dish and eat his dog food. It was like he waited out the entire day, ending with the family dinner, to see what scraps he could get before settling for his dog food! LOL
Don’t Give In
The most important rule is simple: never reward begging. If you give your dog food from your plate, you’re teaching them that begging works. Even if it’s “just this once,” it reinforces the behavior.
Don’t Feed Table Scraps
Some people foods are not only fattening but downright dangerous for dogs. For example, onions, grapes, and chocolate can be toxic. Please read my full article, Foods That Are Poisonous for Dogs and Cats (includes video), to know which foods to avoid.
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Give Healthy Alternatives
If you want to share snacks with your dog, choose healthy options like small pieces of carrot, apple (without seeds), or plain green beans. This lets your dog feel included without risking their health. I had a Miniature Doxy named Taz who loved peas and carrots, chickpeas and blueberries! I also had a Boston Terrier named Cagney who loved tomatoes and plain yogurt.
Read my post, Incorporating Vegetables Into Your Dog’s Diet for more ideas on health alternatives for your dog, and check out this free tutorial from Professional Dog Trainer, Doggy Dan, about adding vegetables to your dog’s diet.
How Do I Train My Dog Not to Beg?
Begging isn’t just about food—it’s about obedience. Your dog needs to understand that you decide when and what they eat. A fantastic resource is The Dog Calming Code by Doggy Dan, which helps you establish yourself as the pack leader in a kind, loving way. Once your dog sees you as the one in charge, they’ll obey you.
You can also see my detailed review of Doggy Dan’s training program to learn why I recommend it so highly.
👉 Click here to check out The Dog Calming Code
Stay Consistent
Everyone in the family must follow the same rules. If one person sneaks the dog table food, begging will continue. Make sure everyone is on board to ignore begging and stick with the dog’s healthy feeding schedule.
If you’d like to get the kids involved in training the dog, check out this fantastic dog training program for kids called, The Family Dog.
Final Thoughts
Begging can be tough to break, but with consistency, patience, and the right training, your dog will learn better manners around food. Remember, you’re helping them live a longer, healthier life when you say no to those puppy-dog eyes.
You might like to check out this article from PetMD, Why Dog Begging Happens and How to Stop It.
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Thank you so much for this thoughtful and practical guide on how to curb begging behavior in dogs. Your insight that dogs learn begging because “it works” really struck a chord with me—it’s such a clear reminder that even seemingly harmless scraps can unintentionally reinforce the behavior. I also appreciate your emphasis on consistency and kindness; knowing that the solution isn’t punitive but requires patience and gentle redirection makes me feel confident and hopeful.
As someone with dogs who beg at every meal, I’m really going to give your methods a try—slowly introducing positive alternatives and staying firm (but loving) during mealtimes. Fingers crossed this works for us as much as it will for our pups!
You can appease your guilt by getting them some blueberries or chick peas – keep them in the fridge…when they get a treat straight from the fridge it makes them feel special! LOL Debra