Dog begging

Question
Hello there,

My family owns 2 Rat Terriors and for the most part they are good dogs. But the one thing that drives me crazy is that they constantly beg for food.

We can be eatting dinner and they will sit right there, whining, and even putting their front legs up on you to get a better look.

I have personally tried to discourage it but it hasnt done much. They dont beg from me much, if I look at them they hang their heads and walk to the other side of my brother and continue to beg.

Now, I believe the reason for the problem is my mother and brother. Basically they have ingrained into them the thought of "If you beg you will receive." Cause my brother and mother (especially my brother) have no hesitatin in giving them what they want.

I have LITERALLY seen my brother do a "one bite for me one bite for you" kind of thing. Once, he wasnt very hungry and gave them the better half of a whole steak.

So any thoughts and advice on how to stop them from begging would be very helpful. Thanks!

Answer
Hello Tristen,

Anytime a dog begs it's because their owner has taught them this behavior. Dogs are very smart animals and do not engage in unrewarding behavior.

My advice is to therefore teach the people to stop teaching the dogs to beg and your problem will be solved.

Good Luck!

Sandy
http://perfectdogtraining.com