Dogs and sharing

[Vihaga]

@Swallowed_My_Cellphone

Except, when you see a dog “beg” and you give him food, the dog doesn’t see it that way. The dog sees it as a stare down wherein he’s challenging you and demanding that you give him your food. So if you give him a morsel, he thinks he was successful in his challenge and may try to challenge you again later in other ways (like disobeying your commands.)

I think this depends on the dog’s other training. Our dogs ‘beg’ from a respectful distance (because they know they aren’t allowed on the furniture when someone’s eating), but giving them food has never resulted in behavioral problems.

[Renee]

Except, when you see a dog “beg” and you give him food, the dog doesn’t see it that way. The dog sees it as a stare down wherein he’s challenging you and demanding that you give him your food. So if you give him a morsel, he thinks he was successful in his challenge and may try to challenge you again later in other ways (like disobeying your commands.)

Meh. Cite? I have three dogs and give them various treats frequently, sometimes even after they’ve been watching me eat (which is not a staring contest, I don’t look back at them), and they’re really very well behaved.

[Swallowed_My_Cellphone]

@Vihaga

I think this depends on the dog’s other training. Our dogs ‘beg’ from a respectful distance (because they know they aren’t allowed on the furniture when someone’s eating), but giving them food has never resulted in behavioral problems.

Not all dogs end up with behavioral issues, no, but I was just pointing out that humans have a really different interpretation of begging than dogs. In some dogs, it can foster issues because they are learning that they can challenge the alpha and sometimes be successful.

We do share food with our dog, but like you, we have very well-established boundaries. Plus, begging is never rewarded. WHen we’re done eating we’ll either share by putting some in his bowl or stepping away from the table

@Renee

Meh. Cite?

You can look it up in any number of dog training books or talk to your local dog trainer.