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Stop the Mooching!
All your dog wants is a tiny taste of what you're eating. You love him so much, and he's giving you that adorable little look....what possible harm can just a little taste do him?
The harm is, if you do it, it will be the start of a lifelong habit that can quickly become a nuisance.
The book, DOGS: The Ultimate Care Guide (edited by Matthew Hoffman; medical adviser Lowell Ackerman, Published by Library of Congress, St. Martin's Press, 1998) offers these tips to stop the mooching:
Tips to Stop Mooching
1. Never feed your dog from the table and make sure that even small children keep this rule.
2. Ask company not to feed your dog. If that isn't possible, put your dog outside or in his crate when guests come to dine.
3. Ignore your dog's begging. Whenever he is quiet and doesn't beg, praise him and offer him a dog treat after you have finished eating.
4. If your dog jumps up on you, barks or drools on your lap during mealtime, command him to "Down" and "Stay" in a special spot for the duration of the meal.
5. Give your dog a bone to chew on or a ball filled with cheese or peanut butter to play with while you are dining.
6. Feed your dog before you sit down to eat. If he's full, he's more likely to leave you alone.
7. Give your dog some vigorous exercise before you sit down to meals. If he's tired, he'll sleep.
8. If you must feed him leftovers, place them in his dish with his regular food the next day.
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