Did I read that you are a psychologist??? I'll bet you can answer your question as well or better than any of us can.
Just go back to treating Twinke the way you did before your parents visited. She will certainly try begging for a while, but, if you don't give her any food, she will soon give up.
Interestingly - I am very bad about feeding my dogs when I eat. And, of course, they beg for food when I eat.
But when my 84-year-old, elderly uncle visits, he eats very slowly and ignores them until he's done and then they get his leftovers. Both my dogs learned his routine very quickly. They never beg when he is eating and quietly lie by his feet and wait until he's done.
Sometimes dogs are smarter than people - right?
Carol Jean
PS: The next time your parents visit - put your dogs some place away from the table --- and tell your parents that it is their fault!! |