Does your pooch wake up from a dead sleep as soon as you get something to eat? Fido knows that his sad, soulful stare really tugs at our heartstrings … which of course increases the chances of him scoring himself a morsel. Dogs have been our friends and companions for thousands of years, and they’ve been begging us to share our dinner for pretty much the same amount of time. A local Hendersonville, NC vet discusses Fido’s begging habits in this article.
Why Begging Is Bad
Begging may be cute (and effective), but it’s really not something you should encourage. After all, that’s just rewarding bad manners. Once Fido realizes that his sad-puppy stare works, he may get bolder and bolder, eventually becoming pushy. In some dogs, that behavior can snowball, eventually leading to aggression.
Begging can also be dangerous. For instance, if you have company, someone who doesn’t know what is and isn’t safe may inadvertently give them a bone or something else that isn’t safe for him. That isn’t to say that you should never give your canine pal treats: just stick with ones made for dogs and at a time you choose.
What To Do When Your Dog Is Begging?
If Fido has developed a begging habit, you’ll want to correct that behavior. One thing you can do is put him in another area while you’re eating. You can also tell him ‘No’ or ‘Don’t beg!’. After you’ve eaten, you can make your furry little actor do a trick for his treat. The biggest thing is to be consistent. Don’t reprimand your dog for begging one day, and then reward him for it the next. If you absolutely can’t stand that sad stare, pull the old switcheroo on your canine buddy. Give him a carrot or a green bean instead of that hamburger he’s eyeballing.
Safe And Unsafe Foods
Begging or no, it’s important to know what is and is not safe for your furry best friend. Some of the foods you would want to avoid include garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; grapes, currants, and raisins; meat on the bone; chocolate; avocado; any produce with seeds or pips, caffeine; alcohol; and anything with a lot of salt, sugar, or fat. Foods containing xylitol are also unsafe. Ask your vet for specific information.
Do you have any questions about your dog’s diet or care? Contact us, your local Hendersonville, NC animal clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs.
