Why Do Dogs Beg?

It may seem obvious, but dogs tend to repeat behaviors that are rewarded. If your dog
frequently begs at the table, it’s likely because this behavior has been reinforced in the past.
This usually happens for one of two reasons: either a family member has intentionally fed the
dog from the table, or someone has accidentally dropped food. Young children who often spill,
drop, or throw food can complicate this situation as well. 
I once had a client who would summon the dogs after the baby was done eating by calling for
the “clean-up crew,” and the dogs happily obliged. So, how can we discourage this behavior?
Simply saying “no” may only provide a temporary solution; your dog might back off for a
moment but will likely return when you’re not paying attention. Getting angry doesn’t help
much either, as most dogs will risk your displeasure for a chance at “forbidden” food.
The first step is to stop reinforcing the begging behavior, whether intentionally or accidentally.
Dogs that have been fed from the table will struggle to learn that begging is unacceptable unless
everyone in the family is consistent with training. Teaching your dog the “Leave It” cue or can be
very effective for managing spills or redirecting their attention away from tempting food. You
might also consider crating them, especially if you have a puppy.
It’s generally easier to teach a dog what to do rather than what not to do, and this approach can
be quite effective in helping reduce begging during mealtimes.  Focus on teaching your dog an
alternative behavior. One helpful cue to teach is “go to place.” This instructs your dog to lie
down or sit in a designated area away from the table, such as a crate or a dog bed. To expedite
the training process, consider providing a stuffed food puzzle or a tasty chew treat as an
incentive. If you have a baby or toddler, it might be best to wait until they are past the stage of
throwing food before starting this training. 
Hiring a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) or attending a force-free, fear-free, and
pain-free group dog training class can greatly benefit you, your family, and your dog by helping
everyone acquire essential skills. For instance, using commands like “Go to Place” when guests
arrive can help prevent your dog from jumping on them.