Why Does My Dog Do That (Series)
You’ve got questions. We have the answers. by the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB. Dogs exhibit all sorts of bewildering, funny, sometimes worrisome, quirky behaviors. Here are some of the most common and mysterious canine habits, and the reasons behind them.
WHY DOES MY DOG BEG WITH HIS EYES?
All About Begging
The pleading gaze of a begging dog can be irresistible, and this is no accident. During his long partnership with man, the dog has perfected cunning methods of exploiting the human neurosis that associates food with affection.
In prehistoric times, semi-domesticated canines first cultivated human beings as a food provider. As the two species grew closer, dogs modified begging behaviors to maximize results: The more pathetic a dog seemed, the more scraps were tossed his way. Dogs have since refined this approach into a low-risk, high-reward hunting technique.
It’s a deceptive way to hunt, but don’t be fooled: Begging is not an emotional crisis or a test of your love. It’s what scientists might call an evolutionary survival strategy. The rest of us might call this action a scam. Allowing your dog to “guilt” you into overfeeding him, or serving him a steady diet of table scraps in a misguided show of affection, can have harmful or even fatal results. Don’t take it personally when the little con artist is under the table going into the old whimper-wheedle-and whine routine.
Even if you’re feeding your dog the best dog food, he will still beg. Simply ignore it, and find healthier ways of bonding with your pet. Otherwise, you risk loving your dog to death. If you see him eating grass, don’t worry. There’s a reason why dogs eat grass – learn more here.
Rocky Top K9 is a company of dog trainers in Sevierville, and we serve Knoxville and East Tennessee with a variety of services to enrich the lives of dogs and their owners. We also provide advice and suggestions for happy and healthy dogs. Learn more about us and contact us to schedule your free consultation.
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