As dog parents, we have a responsibility to help them learn the rules and guidelines of our home. Like all types of parenting—people or pets—having set expectations makes things run more smoothly, but not every home will be the same.
If you don’t like it when your dog begs for food while you’re eating or sits and stares at you during mealtime, a dog trainer has shared her really clever trick for curbing that behavior. It’s absolutely so good. Take a look!
Abby is a KPA-CTP certified dog trainer who shares some tips on social media (@harveytherescue), and her trick for curbing pups from begging for a bite of food when you’re eating makes a lot of sense.
Related: Trainer Lists 3 Little-Known Dog Breeds Perfect for First Time Pet Parents
We like her approach of focusing on the positives and not the negatives. In this case, she praises Azula and treats her when she stays on her spot during mealtime instead of forcing her to be there. It makes the interaction more zero stress, which benefits everyone.
“This is a perfect example of what to do when your dog is performing a behavior you don’t want them to,” she writes. “Stop punishing your dog for being a dog, and teach them what you want them to do instead!”
In the comment section, others shared their thoughts on this method. One person wrote, “Yes! We taught this by complete chance but it’s lovely that Logan just lays down and watches while we’re cooking, makes it a very chilled experience.”
Another shared, “This is the best! I’ve started training my boy as a puppy and now when I cook or during meal time he automatically goes to his bed.” And someone else wrote, “Wow!!! Thank you for sharing this!!! I actually have done this without realizing it, but I feel bad because my dog doesn’t always stay in place. This is very freeing.”
What Is ‘Place Training’ and What Should Dog Parents Know?
“Place” training doesn’t only have to be used during meal time; it’s a great tool many dog parents can call on for several reasons.
According to the American Kennel Club, teaching your dog the “place cue” is really useful.
“Getting your dog to settle down in their bed or crate on cue can be like asking a high-energy toddler to sit quietly—an impossible task,” the club explains. “But it’s incredibly convenient to send your dog to their bed whenever you need them out from underfoot.”
Another example where this cue is helpful, other than begging at the table, is if your dog gets overly excited and jumps on guests when they walk into the house.
“For example, when the doorbell rings, ask your dog to go to their place,” the American Kennel Club adds. “They can’t bother visitors if they’re lying quietly in another room.”
And just as Abby shared, the club also notes that having your dog love their place—whether it’s a mat, bed, or crate—will make everything easier.
“Your dog should love going to their place. If they look at it as a punishment, you’ll have a much harder time convincing them to stay there. Instead, persuade them that their place is a great spot to be by using positive training and high-value treats.”
We love to see the example in use when Abby is eating, Azula gets excited to sit on her bed, and the vibe stays happy for everyone.
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