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Why Pongo...
Why?
Do you get puppy-dog eyes every time you try to enjoy a meal? Begging is a common behavior in dogs, driven by their social nature & love for food. While it may seem cute, it can become bothersome during mealtime or when guests are over.
Attention-Seeking
Curiosity
Excitement at mealtime
Accidental reinforcement (food drops, feeding from table)
Learned behavior / habit
Hungry
Food motivated
Coping with stress
NOTE: Dog behavior is complex; your dog may be responding this way for one or several of these reasons (or reasons not listed).
Check out our recommended interactive feeders!
Begging Myth Busters
Let's shed some light on common misconceptions! Knowing the facts can help you better understand your dog's behavior & improve your training approach.
MYTH #1:
Giving in to begging once in a while doesn't reinforce the behavior.
Giving in to begging occasionally can actually reinforce the behavior, making it harder to eliminate. If they sometimes gets rewarded for begging, they'll continue to try their luck. Inconsistency on our part makes it harder to extinguish the behavior because your dog never knows when begging might pay off. Consistency is key!
MYTH #2:
Ignoring begging behavior will make it go away.
While ignoring begging might help reduce it over time, dogs will likely become frustrated or try other behaviors to get attention. Implementing consistent expectations, training alternative behaviors and using management is often more effective and humane.
MYTH #3:
Dogs beg because they're hungry all the time.
Dogs are social animals & often beg for attention or out of habit, especially if they've been rewarded for it in the past. Additionally, some dogs may beg simply because they find the behavior rewarding or because they're curious about the food you're eating. Understanding these various motivations can help you address begging behavior more effectively.
MYTH #4:
Punishing a dog for begging will make them stop.
Punishing a dog for begging is not an effective way to change their behavior. While it may stop the begging temporarily, it can lead to negative side effects such as fear, anxiety, and even aggression. Dogs may learn to associate mealtime with punishment, creating a stressful environment around food. This can lead to other behavior problems, like resource guarding.
MYTH #5:
Some dogs just naturally beg more than others.
Begging behavior is largely a learned behavior and is not breed-specific. Dogs learn to beg by receiving attention or food when they exhibit this behavior, reinforcing it over time. Additionally, dogs may beg more in certain environments or with certain people based on past experiences and reinforcement history. Simply put, your dog does what works!
To beg or not to beg?
Let's talk!
When is it time to work with us?
Resource guarding behaviors
Ineffective training efforts
Aggressive/anxious behavior when ignored
Disrupts daily routines
Suspicion of underlying issues
Desire for expert guidance
How positive reinforcement can help with begging:
Changes your dog's reinforcement history
Establishes consistency with boundaries
Teaches alternative behaviors
Implements management and prevention
Provides clear communication techniques
Creates positive associations with mealtime
Contact Us:
💬 TEXT: (408) 882-1976
In-Person Service Counties:
Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda
We are located in:
Gilroy, CA
DISCLAIMER: Although behavior may be modified, the dog is never “cured”. A dog’s behavior is ultimately the responsibility of the owner. As a result of the changeability inherent in all behavior, I cannot offer a guarantee of an animal's future behavior.
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