Just Say NO to your Begging Dog..

Those puppy dog eyes do it every time, right? It is so hard to resist. But you must remain strong and persevere, no matter how much they beg. Remember the reasons discussed below and you will be able to stand strong!

Giving in to your manipulative pup is simply reinforcing this behavior to continue with no end in site. Sure, you may say out loud "just this ONE time since I know how much you love chicken". All your dog hears is "If I sit and beg at the dinner table long enough, my push-over, great owner will give in and feed me table scraps"!

You don't only want to discourage this behavior for basic etiquette reasons; you want to look out for your dog's health. The food we eat may seem innocent enough once in a while to give to a dog. Actually, our food often exceeds the calories needed in our dog's diet and ultimately leads it to becoming overweight. Your dog's stomach may also meet these table scraps with digestive problems, which can lead to nasty treats for you to clean up later!

If despite all recommendations to do otherwise, you still intend to feed your dog at the table, please consult your veterinarian first. They might be able to help you find a middle ground with foods you absolutely should not feed your dog. Most likely, they'll recommend you feed your dog his own food and treats. These are the safest options as they are made to specifically meet your dog's nutritional needs.