How do I get my Mutt to stop begging and eating stuff off our table, stove, or counters (he's huge)?

Question

We have two smaller kids in the house and he grabs stuff out of their hands.
He's constantly sniffing around and looking for food. I can't leave anything on the dining room table, or even things pushed way back on the stove.

It drives us crazy!!!! We have to put him in his "crate" whenever we eat, or leave the house.
When we are in bed at night he gets into the trash.
Sigh, we adopted him at a shelter, and he is a shy dog, he cowers and pee's if we yell at him......
We love him very much but want him to behave.

Answer 1

That is a problem that you will have the best luck solving by taking him to some basic obedience training. No, I don't expect that you really have time for it, but that is what has to happen to start to solve a complicated problem like you have. You will notice a significant increase in his self confidence if you can accomplish basic obedience. Until then, you will just have to keep all of his temptations out of reach. Inside the oven, microwave, refrigerator. Get a trash can with a tight fitting lid or one that will fit under the kitchen sink.

I empathize with your problem, food is a very strong motivator for dogs and it is hard to "untrain" him. He has been rewarded for this behavior so many times that he will be hard to re-educate. A good professional dog trainer will get you started on the right path!

Answer 2

I got the same problem with a dog I got from the pound. He gets too excited and he pees. You pet him and he pees. You scold him and he pees. The problem is called something like urination submission I can't remember. I was told that there is no cure for it. So now I keep the dog outside the house at all times.

Answer 3

put a leash on him, when he goes to jump on the counter snap the leash and say no.
also you can set him up and put tobasco sauce on a piece of food, when he steals it that may be the last one he steals.
but honestly you need to keep an eye on him and correct him when he does these bad things. don't feed him from the table,
this is how most food stealing begins. putting him in his crate when your eating is not a bad idea. put your trash some place where he can't get to it, or one that has a tight lid on it.also keep him away from the little ones when they have food unless your there to supervise. remember don't give him the chance to make a mistake, think ahead and prevent bad behavior. exercise him more!

Answer 4

He misbehaves because you let him. Get a watch a tape of the dog whisperer. You can go to blockbuster or wherever and get one. He has been on about every TV show because he teaches you and the dog how to behave. Hope this helps with your problem because he sounds like he is really a doll and just needs correcting.

Answer 5

Wow, how long have you had him? Sounds like he was not fed very much and he is not going to let that happen again. For now, all food (including the garbage) is locked up when you are not there. This will take lots of time & patience. Good luck with your new 'pup'. Take heart, it will get better some day.

Answer 6

You've got the answer in your question. He needs to go to behavior school. Dogs that big are hard to handle and if they've never learned how to behave, they are going for broke, just like humans do. He's not stupid. He knows what he can get away with. If you really want to keep your puppy, do yourself and him a favor and get him to classes soon...........

Answer 7

No, But i did try and many times to eat soup with a spoon, especially if a soup is thick (you can thicken the soup effectively by adding some flour). It takes more time, so I enjoy it longer

Answer 8

sigh....quit blaming the dog.
try cleaning up after yourself and quit leaving things out for him to get into. other people with dogs don't have the problem.....mainly 'cause we keep our stuff picked up, garbage in the garbage can, and our homes clean.
try it!
as for him 'grabbing stuff' out of the kids hands........have the children sit at the dining room table when they are eating! and stop waving their treats around in front of the dog!
meanwhile take him to doggy obedience classes. lots of those around at reasonable prices.
good luck

Answer 9

A dog that size shouldnt be in the house. Training sounds like it hasnt had any!!!

Answer 10

3 OF OUR DOGS CAN REACH TABLES AND COUNTERS. ALL OF OUR DOGS ARE RESTRICTED FROM THE KITCHEN AND EATING AREA DURING MEAL TIMES. OF THE 4, ONLY ROCKY IS THE REAL BEGGAR. HE'S 5 YRS, AND ONLY BEEN WITH US FOR ABOUT A YEAR. EVERYBODY'S GIVEN IN TO HIM. WE DON'T. WE ARE IN CHARGE, AND I DON'T CARE IF IT TAKES THE REST OF OUR LIVES, HE WILL NOT BEG.