Training Your Dog

The Proper Table

Etiquette

Your puppy needs to learn proper table manners if

he is to become a good house-dog. He must learn to

give up his food to you without a struggle. He must

also learn not to take food that does not belong to

him. Training your puppy both aspects of table

manner early on will prevent biting over his meal or

over a stolen food later on. Since both aspects go

against the dog's natural instinct, they are necessary

lessons to learn for him when he lives with humans.

It is often necessary for dogs to be trained against

their natural instincts or they can become threats to

their families.

Every time you feed your puppy, tell him “Ok” as you

place his dish in front of him. Nothing conscious will

get through for the first few weeks, but something is

definitely getting absorbed. Your puppy is beginning

to learn that you will give permission when he is to

eat.

After a few weeks of this automatic training, put the

bowl down and do not say ok. In fact, do not say

anything. If he waits for you, in about 2 seconds say

“Ok” followed by “Good dog” and let him enjoy his

meal. If, on the other hand, he goes for his food,

gently pull him back with your hands on his collar

and say “No.” You may have to repeat this if

necessary. When he looks up at you or waits for

about two seconds, say “Ok” followed by “Good

dog.”

Continue with the “Ok” every time you feed your

puppy. Twice a week, have him wait for the “Ok”

until he knows to wait for the command before he

starts with his meal. You can then continue to say

“Ok” when you feed him without testing him every

week. This is not and should not be a contest of

wills. Never use this exercise as a trick to show off

to your friends and other people that you have this

control over your dog that he would not touch a

piece of meat unless you told him he could. It is not

supposed to be a trick, but proper etiquette to teach

him not to take food that does not belong to him.

In about a month or so, your puppy should have no

problem waiting for the “Ok” signal. While you are

teaching him restraint, occasionally add food to his

bowl while he is eating using your bare hand. If he

growls when your hand comes near his bowl, say

“NO!” and take away the food. Feed him again at his

next scheduled mealtime.

Once every other week, when he is in the middle of

his meal, call his name to get his attention or say

“No” and take away his dish. If he does not growl,

add a treat to his meal and return the dish

immediately, followed by saying “Ok, good boy.”

Once your puppy allows hands near his bowl,

accepts the removal of his food and waits for his

“ok,” you have successfully communicated to your

dog that he does not have to protect his meal as he

would have in the wild.

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