Crying, moaning, barking and even tapping us with their paws while we are eating, is an attitude as common as it is annoying in dogs. Is about an education problem that we must control not only for our own comfort, but also for the welfare of the animal, since this situation increases its anxiety and damages the relationship with its owner. Fortunately, we can end this custom of ordering from the table using a few simple techniques.
What to do when the dog asks
1. Never give food from the table. It is the pillar of this educational process. We must not give in to their calls for attention, but rather ignore them. This includes special dates such as birthdays or Christmas, with no exceptions. Hopefully, you will soon understand that your tactics are not working. Of course, the entire family has to comply with these rules.
2. Ignore their behavior. Just as we should not give it food, it is also not appropriate for us to talk to the animal, scold it or caress it. It is best to pretend that we are not aware of their movements or barking.
3. Control your mood. The dog is able to warn if we feel sadness or guilt, so it will take advantage of it to achieve what it wants. Do not give in to their requests.
4. Feed him before sitting at the table. That way you will feel satiated and your anxiety will decrease. It is also advisable to take a long walk with him beforehand.
5. Make him respect our space. The dog will probably get too close to us to ask for food, something that should not be allowed, because over time it may gain enough confidence to jump towards our plate.
6. Positive reinforcement. We can teach you the "sit" or "stay" commands, and reward you each time you follow them. This will help us control their movements and anxiety, as well as reinforce basic training commands. We will need time and practice for this.