Quote:
Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly  Dogs are smart enough to hold out for better, just as we do. Once she's re-established in her mind that she won't be getting tastier human tidbits, she will succumb to her hunger and eat her breakfast. Unless you train a dog not to do it, they will always be in the seduction business anytime human food is around, especially if they were ever successful at it, but usually just a stern look will make them subside and give up if they are trained to be happily submissive to their person.
Whenever Tibbe backs off from something he wants so badly at just my look, I almost always give him an immediate big smile and say "you know you'll get a treat" and he knows if he waits patiently, a fairly goodly reward and praise for his immense self-control once the meal is over is coming his way. So he waits in anticipation and hope - a state dogs seem to love living in. It's a big, big deal for a dog to back himself off occasionally lusting after food right in the room with him, food that he wants more than anything in the world so he should get acknowledgement and payback for all that amazing self-control the few times he crosses the line. But he's smart and careful enough not to make a habit of lusting after my food - he knows that will get him sent from the room where he must wait and no treat will be coming. Plus a stern talking-to. |
Thanks Jeanie, as ever much appreciated.
Before I'd read this, I'd saved a sliver of beef for her tonight from my plate. She waited with commendable restraint head on paws, those bright eyes watching every move. Upon completion of my meal, I gave her the 'tidbit' and promptly got a huge kiss!
I think because she's with me continuously
(Irina works three days a a week) we've now grown very close and she does accept my wishes quite happily, after trying it on first
(with food) of course! I've explained its all for her own good, so she remains healthy and we can all be together longer in the future!
Sal gave me the details of an excellent organic food producer here several months ago and I'll try another she's recommended for variety and her enjoyment.
"Unless you train a dog not to do it, they will always be in the seduction business"
How true!