How do I stop my dog begging for food?

Q What’s the best way to discourage my dog from begging at the dinner table?

AMost dogs quickly learn how to wheedle food out of humans, and will beg at the table if you let them. The first rule, then, is never, ever to give them any food from the table, and to ask others, including kids, partners and guests, not to do so either. To avoid temptation, you shouldn’t even allow the dog to sit near the table at mealtimes, never mind on a chair or lap. Best of all, make it a rule that when people sit down to eat, the dog has to go and wait in a specific spot – perhaps in its bed, in a different room or even in a crate if you use one. You can give the dog a snack or toy to keep it occupied if you like. Avoid grey areas, such as handing out leftovers when you’ve finished your meal – your dog won’t be able to tell the difference between that and begging while you eat, and will end up bothering you throughout the whole meal.