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10 March 2025
If you’ve ever been enjoying a meal or snack only to feel those soulful, pleading eyes staring up at you, you’re not alone. That familiar look—the one we call “puppy dog eyes”—is hard to resist, but what’s happening behind those big, doe eyes? Why do dogs beg for food, attention, or play, and how can we stop it from becoming a nuisance?
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At its core, begging is simply a way for dogs to get what they want. Whether it’s food, attention, or playtime, dogs will beg to get your focus.
Dogs beg for three main things: food, toys, and attention/play. It’s as simple as that. They’re not trying to be manipulative, but they’ve learned that certain behaviors, like giving those irresistible puppy dog eyes, get results. In fact, they’ve evolved their eyebrows have evolved to be more expressive in order to communicate better with their human domesticators.
In the past, people thought begging was tied to dominance or submission, a behavior rooted in their wolf ancestors. However, there is no scientific evidence to support those old theories. The truth is that begging works because we give in. Over time, dogs learn how to “work” their humans to get what they want.
Dogs are intelligent, and they know how to get our attention. The classic begging behavior includes:
It’s hard to resist, right?
But if left unchecked, begging can escalate into more assertive behaviors. You might start seeing:
The way your dog begs depends on their breed and temperament, but one thing is for sure: they’ve figured out what works.
And don’t forget that begging isn’t always about food. Sometimes, your dog is asking for playtime, a walk, or just some affection. A dog may hover by the back door when they want to go out or stare at their leash when they’re ready for a walk.
The good news is that you can put an end to begging with consistency and patience. Here are some proven strategies:
1. Teach “Say Please”
A great way to stop your dog from begging is to teach them to “earn” what they want: the “Say Please” protocol. When your dog wants something (like food or play), make them sit calmly before giving it to them. This helps teach them that begging won’t get them what they want, but patience will.
2. Ignore the Begging
The classic approach to dealing with begging is to ignore it. This can be harder than it sounds, but it’s essential to not give in to those pleading eyes. Dogs are used to getting attention when they beg, and ignoring them teaches them that begging won’t work. Of course, this method works best with consistency, so be patient as your dog learns that their begging behavior is ineffective.
3. Redirect Their Attention
If your dog is fixated on your dinner or attention, redirect them to something more appropriate. Give them a chew toy, a snuffle mat, or some other type of enrichment in a different area of the room. This distracts them from the begging situation and provides a more positive outlet for their energy.
4. Feed First, Then Eat
One of the easiest ways to minimize begging at meal times is to feed your dog before you sit down for your meal. They won’t have the urge to beg for food if they’re already full. If you can, consider feeding your dog in a separate room or away from where you eat so they aren’t constantly exposed to temptation.
5. Use Training Cues
Teaching your dog a few basic cues like “leave it” or “no” can be helpful. Use hand or body gestures, as dogs are excellent at picking up nonverbal cues. For example, when you’ve had enough playtime with your dog and want them to stop, make an apparent hand gesture and say “enough,” then disengage.
Dogs beg because they’ve learned that certain behaviors lead to rewards. They aren’t trying to annoy you; they want something, whether it’s food, attention, or play. Understanding the motivations behind begging and teaching your dog appropriate behaviors can create a happier home and reduce those irresistible puppy eyes.
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