Dogs are important parts of the family. Pet owners treat their animals like members of the family and deliver them the love and support they need. When families have meals or snacks, they might sneak some food from their plates to their canines. However, this can lead to unwanted behaviors like begging while they eat or growling when you don't give them any food. If you were to go on vacation and place your pet in a dog boarding center, they might also demonstrate these negative behaviors while you are away. Below are some do’s and don’ts you can follow to stop your dog from asking for food while you eat.

Do:

Give the dog a designated eating area and bowl.

When feeding your dog, lead them to a designated area that's outside your dining room. Also, use the same bowl each time you feed your pet. These habits help your dog remember their eating spot. To reinforce the new behavior, be sure every family member follows these tips. If you are leaving your pet in a dog boarding kennel, ask the staff if they can use your dog's bowl to help sustain their new routine.

Keep the dog busy during your mealtime.

To keep dogs from begging during mealtimes, owners have two options. One is to give the dog a toy to keep them entertained. Make sure it's something they can play with on their own and not a ball or another item you need to throw repeatedly.

The second option is to feed your pet right before you start eating. Once you finish your meal, clear out your dog's bowl, even if your pet hasn't touched their food. This practice will train your dog to follow your mealtime and eat their own food.

Don't:

Give your pet food while you are at the table.

One way to keep your dog off the table is by never giving them food while you eat. This will also teach them that the dining table is only for humans. This will also help keep them healthy, as some human foods can be harmful to dogs if stolen off a plate. 

Fall for their cries of help.

Ignore your pet's whimpers throughout your mealtime. Avoid eye contact with your dog, or else you might fall for your pup's pleading look. Giving them attention while they act out only encourages them to continue begging. If you need to leave them in dog boarding hotels, inform the staff to not give your four-legged friend any food outside their mealtime, unless they receive designated treats for positive behavior. 

If you need a dog boarding or cat boarding facility to take care of your pets while you're away, turn to Evergreen Kennels in Churchville, NY. They have certified pet care technicians and newly renovated individual quarters equipped with heating and air conditioning systems. If you are in Churchville, Rochester, or the surrounding areas, give them a call at (585) 293-1920 to book an appointment. If you have more questions, check out their FAQ page online.