Tips and tricks to eliminate begging

Now that the holiday season is upon us, I will offer tips and tricks for keeping those beautiful puppy eyes out of the dining room, under the table, or out of the kitchen. You know the ones I am talking about. The heartbroken, soulful gaze that tells you they have never known food, or love in their entire life and they will be oh so happy if you could please spare some tiny morsel for them. Which we all know to be false. Of course, they will be ecstatic if we give them food, but that happiness is brief once the food has been devoured, then it's right back to being underfoot and pleading for some itty bitty scraps.

I am just as guilty of caving into those sad puppy eyes, but my dog knew that there was a limit. She and I had worked out that she could get away with begging once or twice, and then she would curl up under one of our chairs and take a food-induced nap. She and I had to go through some trial and error to get to this point though, which brings me to some pointers for you.

• Go to bed

Go to bed is a fantastic cue. It can go by many names, but the basis is that when the cue is given, they go to a specific area and lie down. They will then stay there until they are released or until a certain point in time. It is helpful in many ways, but during the chaotic holiday time, it can be excellent in keeping your dog from getting underfoot and sneaking a little snack from the table.

• Leave it

Leave it is wonderful to help a dog know that their attempts to grab their own helping of food aren't going work. Leave it means to ignore or redirect their attention from whatever they are fixating on. It can be difficult to teach some dogs that have learned to just be quicker than their human counterpart, but it is not impossible.

Moving on to some tricks to help keep your dog busy while on their bed or away from the table.

• A long-lasting chew

Maybe as a holiday treat, a new chew can help entertain your dog while they're on their bed. A tasty chew that can be filled with treats or yummy paste can be especially beneficial for those who need stimulation to avoid the mouthwatering temptation on the table.

• A dog puzzle

A dog puzzle can also help redirect a dog's attention to something more engaging that won't get them into trouble. There are levels of dog puzzles on the market, from beginner, to advanced, so you know your dog best. Don't make it too easy for them, or they will be under the table and in your lap before you can blink. But don't make it too difficult as well since they may get frustrated and give up, then wander their way over to you to get your attention.

• Tired dog

A tired dog is a more calm dog. A sleepy dog even. Maybe an hour before people or the food arrives, work your dog out! A mentally and physically worn-out dog is much easier to handle when dealing with manners. Granted, they may still be tempted, but you may have a better time redirecting them than if they were full of energy.

• The Kennel

This is my last tip since it is my last resort. Dogs want to be a part of the action, even if they are not in the middle of it. But there are times when the dog is creating a potentially hazardous situation by being a tripping hazard, so it is beneficial to have this option. Introducing the kennel weeks in advance can help eliminate any negative feelings towards the kennel. You don't want it to be a punishment since that could create a whole different problem.

The best advice I can give any dog owner is to practice all these things beforehand. Just as you would practice before a performance, it can help your dog know what is expected if it has become the norm. If every time you sit down to eat, your dog is directed to go to their bed, it wouldn't be a new concept for them to tackle when there is more food or more people.