Begging for tidbits at breakfast, lunch, or dinner can be a royal nuisance if allowed to continue. Yet it’s a rather easy bad habit to break. You simply don’t allow dog begging. Period. Here’s how to stop begging dog problems before they start.

1. Never feed a begging dog from the table. Always feed the dog from its own dog food bowl. If you have leftovers, place them in the dog’s bowl when the dog is out of sight. If the dog sees you scrape your leftovers into its bowl, it will associate your plate with its bowl, and that’s an association you don't want.

2. Stick to your guns no matter how much the dog begging continues. Don’t give in. Instead, give your dog a "down" command. Perhaps the "release" command will give the dog the impression that it’s released from begging!

3. Ask you guest to refrain from feeding a begging dog from the table. If necessary, keep the dog in separate area while you, your family, or your guests are eating. This area can be in its crate, in a gated room, or outside in the back yard. If you’re throwing a large party, you might even consider sending the dog to the home of a trusted family member or friend.