Begging may seem harmless when your puppy gazes up with big eyes, but if left unchecked, it can become an annoying — and unhealthy — habit. Teaching your puppy not to beg helps them learn patience, prevents overeating, and creates a more peaceful mealtime environment. In this article, you’ll find effective strategies to prevent begging before it becomes a lifelong problem.
Why begging develops
- Puppies quickly learn that whining or pawing during meals can lead to tasty handouts;
- Inconsistent rules — sometimes giving food, sometimes not — confuse puppies;
- Table scraps and feeding from the table reinforce the behavior.
Why it’s important to stop begging
- Prevents unhealthy weight gain from excess treats or table food;
- Reduces jumping or pawing during meals;
- Teaches patience and impulse control;
- Creates calmer, more enjoyable family mealtimes.
Avoid feeding from the table
- Never give your puppy food directly from your plate or during meals;
- This teaches them that begging leads to rewards.
Teach an incompatible behavior
- Train your puppy to “go to place” or “settle” on a mat during meals;
- Reward them for staying on the mat calmly while you eat.
Be consistent
- All family members and guests must follow the same rules — no exceptions;
- Inconsistency will confuse your puppy and prolong the behavior.
Use a crate or puppy-proofed area
- If your puppy struggles to stay calm during meals, have them relax in their crate or playpen with a safe chew or food-dispensing toy.
Ignore begging behavior
- Do not look at, talk to, or touch your puppy when they beg;
- Attention, even negative, can reinforce the behavior.
Reward calm, quiet behavior
- Praise and offer a treat after meals if your puppy waited patiently;
- Reinforcing calmness makes it more likely your puppy will repeat it.
Feed your puppy on a schedule
- Feed your puppy before your meals so they’re less likely to be hungry during your mealtime;
- Regular schedules help prevent random begging.
When to seek help
Consult a trainer or behaviorist if your puppy:
- Becomes aggressive when denied food;
- Shows resource guarding or intense frustration;
- Struggles with other impulse-control issues.