PET OF THE WEEK: Barb is a large, one-year-old, spayed female cat with a medium-length black coat. You will probably find her curled up in her favorite box, but she will come right over for some pets and to chat with you. If you’re looking for an affectionate and friendly girl to keep you company, look no further! Ask for Barb (ID#A814381). Adoptable pets are available at Peninsula Humane Society’s Tom and Annette Lantos Center for Compassion, 1450 Rollins Road, Burlingame. Call 650-340-7022 or visit www.phs-spca.org. (C&M Photography / Peninsula Humane Society)
Dear Miss Behavin’: I never feed my dog from the table, but I have a good friend who loves to sneak her tidbits under the table. Now every time my friend comes over, my dog starts drooling and begging for food. How can I stop them from going behind my back?
Reply: It sounds like you have a “person-training” issue rather than a dog-training one. Remember, dogs always do what works for them. So if begging works to extract food from your friend, your dog is going to continue the unwanted behavior. It’s likely that your friend finds the secret feedings reinforcing as well. Many folks enjoy giving dogs treats because they want a dog to like them, or they feel “bad” the dog isn’t allowed to have any food from the table.
If you haven’t outright (nicely) asked your friend to stop giving the table scraps, now is the time to do so. After all, your house, your rules. Some owners also have a dog that might have a food allergy or sensitivity, which is another reason it’s important to listen if someone asks you not to give a dog a treat. Politely explain to your friend that you don’t want your dog to receive food from the table, elaborating the reason why. Whether it’s because she’s sensitive to certain foods or you just don’t want her in the habit of begging, it will help your friend to understand your point of view.
After you’ve explained your reasoning, be sure to give your friend an alternative way to bond with your dog. Just like when working with animals, it’s helpful to tell humans what they can do, not just what they can’t do. For example, your friend can throw a favorite toy for your dog or you can all go on a walk together. If your friend just really likes feeding your dog, save some breakfast or dinner kibble or “approved” treats that your pal can dole out to your best friend (not at the table).
Lastly, try to look on the positive side that you have a friend that enjoys your canine buddy so much.