Ming Ming's momma is a whimp!

[Ming Ming and Suki's Momma 0]

Hi all,

I have a little confession. I can't tell my Ming Ming no when she wants something. I give her little raw veggie at dinner time only and now each time I'm in the kitchen she gives me those sad eyes when she wants them and I break down and give in too her. A few of you told me to give her those in moderations, but I don't like when she sit and wait patiently for me to give her more and I have to tell her no more.

How do you all handle this situation with your fur babies?

[kcsheperd 13]

If you want a spoiled dog, you get a spoiled dog.. Our babies only do what we allow them to do, so if you don't want the begging, or the sad dog eyes, then you can teach her to "go to her place" while you eat, (then give her the treat for doing what you have asked her to do) or teach her that begging is NOT the way to get what she wants. They do what works, so if you give in to her everytime, you are teaching her that THAT is what works, so she is going to keep doing it. If you don't give into her and ask her to 'wait' or 'go to her place' then she will learn that THAT is what she needs to do for her reward. Mine get treats all the time, but I ask them to wait patiently for them. If they paw at me, or bark, or whine, then they will not get one. They only get one when they are being sweet babies, and not being pushy.

[Seastar 44]

I could not agree more.

[Ming Ming and Suki's Momma 0]

KC,

You don't understand! My baby looks so sweet and precious while she sit and waits.LOL! But u are so right though. She drives my husband crazy when barks for it and I get fussed at because I give in to her.

I guess I will have to work on it.

Thanks for the tough love!!

[kcsheperd 13]

Hey, I totally understand..LOL! Sawyer does this sweet thing where he will tap me with his paw, like "mama, might I have a bite of what you are having?".. but I can't give in to him, because I know it will only get worse. Once they figure out how to manipulate us, they can, and they will! .. The tzu's know how to make the sweetest faces, and do the cutest things..but you must be strong, or you will have a little nightmare on your hands..Plus you wouldn't want her to act like that when you had company over, or if you took her places..Its like Luna said in a previous post, Its always a good idea for the Tzu's to have manners.. Good luck & Be strong! lol.

[kcsheperd 13]

I did just find this article online from Ceasar:

Begging is one of the most common issues that dog owners face. An unfortunate side effect of loving our dogs so much is that we would like to give them everything that they want. So when they start begging, it's almost too much for us to bear... and we cave! With a little willpower on your part, though, begging can be one of the easiest behaviors to correct. Follow these simple tips to turn your hairy panhandler into a productive member of society once more!

1. DO NOT GIVE FOOD. This tip may seem like common sense, but you'd be surprised how few people consider it when they're looking into the wide, wet eyes of their beloved canine companion. That high-pitched whine is an effective tool against you, and your dog knows it. Why? Because it's worked before! Giving food is a form of affection, and giving affection reinforces the behavior preceding it. Your dog has learned that if he begs, he gets food! Take a stand and start a new trend. Find the willpower to withhold that food, and your dog will learn that he can't expect rewards for begging behavior.

2.IGNORE. Begging is an attention-seeking behavior. Rather than give in to your dog's demands, ignore the behavior and teach your dog that it does not get results! When you talk to your dog, give him affection, or engage in direct eye contact, you are feeding his mental state. Instead, practice no touch, no talk, no eye contact.

3.DON'T FEEL SORRY FOR YOUR DOG. Your dog is well-fed. You should know; you feed him! He is not in danger of going hungry if you don't give him that scrap off the table, so don't feel sorry for him when he flashes you those doughy eyes and places a single paw forlornly on your leg. If you become concerned about how much your dog should be fed, talk to your veterinarian. This can help ease your concerns and allow you to remain calm and assertive!

4.BE CONSISTENT. In any kind of training, consistency is the key to success. For your dog to learn that his begging behavior is ineffective, it has to be ineffective 100% of the time. Inconsistent enforcement of the rules leads to an inconsistently obedient dog! Make sure that every pack leader in the household understands and enforces the same rules.

5.BE PATIENT. Few dogs change overnight. If you have followed these tips to the letter and your dog continues to beg, don't despair! See Tip #4. Stay consistent and don't give up. Your reward will be a better behaved dog!

[CrazyTzuLady 16]

I completely understand. Daddy is the biggest offender here, everything he eats they get a bite of. He just doesn't know how to tell them no. :unsure:

[ShihtzuBeauty 47]

Don't Give In!!! I've Finally convinced my hubby of this the kids are Soo much better for it. I have approved kibble/cookies and thats all they get.