Karen -
My little Yorkie decided that he was going to sit beside me on the floor while I ate (at the table) - and bark at me to get food. I decided quickly that this was not something I wanted going on when I was try to eat. It was very annoying.
So - I got up - and with my feet and legs moved him about 8 feet away from the table and told him to "stay." I went back and sat down - and, of course, he started back toward the table --- but the minute he started, I got up and move him away again - and told him to "stay" again.
Everytime he even barely started to move toward me I told him to "stay" and got up and went toward him and moved him back if I had to.
After doing this 4 or 5 times - he turned around and went and jumped on his favorite chair and took a nap while I ate in peace.
****** I certainly need to remind him of this rule occasionally - and often before I even sit down - I move him to where he is supposed to be (about 8 feet away). He rarely comes near the table any more when I am eating.
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QUOTING YOU: "He even climbs up our legs at the dinner table. We never encouraged him in any way to beg at the table..."
You may not be "encouraging him to beg" - but you are "allowing" him to be at the table and bother you while you are trying to eat.
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I'm certainly not the best dog trainer in the world - but I have found training my pup to stay away from the table when I'm eating ---- and stay away from the door when people are coming or going - the easiest (and quickest) things I have ever done.
I stand up straight and move him back with my feet and legs - I don't talk at all - other than to tell him to stay when he's where I want him to be. And, I get right up and move him back again (immediately) as many times as I have to - He learned very quickly. Easy fix! Amazes me!
Carol Jean
PS: I'm sure an occasional "goldfish" is okay for your dog. But - never feed him anything from the table while you are eating. Remember - he is not even supposed to be near the table when you're eating. |