Dog’s begging spirals out of control

#Middlebury #DogBegging

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: Our dog, Boadicea, is a sweetheart, but when she wants a treat she turns into a little monster. She drools on my arm, chews on my roommate’s shoe (with his foot in it), barks loudly, yips … whatever it takes. We eventually break down and give her a treat. This happens several times a day. How can we stop this behavior? – Darren in Manchester, New Hampshire

DEAR DARREN: There are two steps I’d recommend to curb this behavior, because you know the downside of Boadicea’s begging: spiraling behavioral problems, future digestive issues and potential obesity.

First, reinforce her basic obedience training. Work with her at least once a day on the “sit,” “stay,” “lie down,” “leave it” and “come here” commands. I recommend not working with her during the time that you’re normally relaxing in the living room with your roommate, because you want to try to reinforce that certain places and times are for training, play or treats.

Obedience training alone won’t resolve the problem, though, because she’s developed a habit of begging whenever you’re trying to relax or socialize. So, you’ll need to employ the “ignore and divert” strategy as well.

Ignore her attention-seeking behavior for a specific amount of time … say, five minutes. Next, command her to either sit or lie down, and give her a chew toy. When she inevitably gets up to beg again, repeat the process. Don’t give her a treat at all. This will take time, but eventually she will get it.

Many dog owners add a structured treat time to the day. For example, after your dinner and dishes are done, she can have her treat. This will help reinforce when and where she gets treats, and how she is supposed to behave.

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