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By banning table begging, you’ll enjoy meals more and do your dog a favor.

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  Step 1: Ignore begging dog

  Ignore your dog when they beg at the table. Interacting in any way, even to scold, merely reinforces the behavior.

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  Step 2: Feed dog during family mealtimes

  Feed your dog when you sit down to eat. This will occupy them and distract them from your meal.

• Tip

  Take your dog on a long walk before dinner. Tired dogs have less energy to beg.

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  Step 3: Be consistent

  Be consistent in ignoring your dog’s overtures. Making even one exception can negate any positive habits your training may have initiated.

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  Step 4: Stay firm

  If your dog tests you by increasing the intensity of their whining, stay firm in ignoring them.

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  Step 5: Continue the training

  Continue to ignore your dog’s begging from meal to meal. Don’t sneak your dog a treat. After several weeks, your dog will stop begging at the table.

• Tip

  You may find it helpful to crate your dog or put them in another room while you eat.

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  Step 6: Enjoy quiet meals

  Enjoy a meal free of whining and begging. Your persistence will pay off.

• Fact

  Did you know? Dogs have more than 220 million olfactory receptors in their noses – 40 times more than humans do.