5 Tips to Stop Your Dachshund from Begging

Dachshunds are charming and cunning, often using their adorable antics to coax treats out of their owners. If you’re struggling to resist those pleading eyes at the table, you’re not alone. Begging is a common problem among Sausages, driven by their effectiveness at melting our hearts. However, giving in can lead to unhealthy habits and even health issues.

Understanding Why Your Dachshund Begs

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but we often teach our Dachshunds to beg without realising it. Each time we give in and feed them from the table, we inadvertently strengthen their belief that begging is a successful tactic. While it is common to want to include our pets in our happiness and treats, this can inadvertently promote negative behaviours.

The Downside of Begging

Aside from being a nuisance, especially when entertaining guests, begging can lead to serious issues like:

• Obesity: Dachshunds are prone to weight gain, which can exacerbate back problems and other health conditions, potentially reducing their lifespan by up to two years.
• Poor Manners: A begging dog can be a source of embarrassment in front of guests and can make social gatherings awkward.
• Health Risks: Feeding dogs human food frequently can lead to gastrointestinal upset or more serious conditions like pancreatitis.
• Behavioural Issues: Failure to address begging can result in your dog exhibiting disruptive behaviour and becoming increasingly persistent in seeking your attention.

Strategies to Stop Begging

Breaking the habit of begging is challenging but not impossible. Consistency and patience are key. Here are five effective strategies to help you reclaim your mealtimes:

1. Positive Reinforcement: Ignore your Dachshund when they beg. Offer treats only when they display acceptable manners, such as remaining calm and situated at a distance from the dining area or laying in their bed during meals.
2. Change Feeding Times: Feed your Sausage their main meal after you’ve finished eating. This helps them understand that they will get food in their own time, not as leftovers from your plate.
3. Implement a ‘Go to Your Place’ Command: Train your Dachshund to go to a specific spot, like a mat or a bed, during mealtimes. Reward them with treats only if they obey the “stay” or “down” commands and stay put.
4. Physical Separation During Meals: If your Dachshund struggles to control themselves, use a baby gate or place them in a crate with a favourite toy during your meals. This physically prevents begging and reinforces that mealtimes is not begging time.
5. Educate Your Guests: Make sure friends and family are aware of your rules. Consistency from everyone in the household and visitors is essential to successfully ending begging behaviours.

Patience Leads to Progress

Changing established behaviours takes time. Dachshunds are intelligent and persistent, but with consistent effort, you can teach them that begging does not yield rewards. Ultimately, they will come to understand that being patient and well-behaved is far more beneficial.

While it may be challenging to resist the pleading eyes, it is crucial to keep in mind that staying dedicated to your training efforts will lead to a healthier and better-behaved life for your Sausage. By being patient and consistent, you will observe positive changes in your Dachshund’s behaviour, resulting in a pleasant mealtime experience for everyone involved.