My Dog Keeps Stealing My Food!

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Picture this: you’ve just sat down with a hot cup of coffee, ready to relax. Your dog is lounging nearby, seemingly indifferent. But the moment you glance away, you hear the sound of lapping… Your sneaky pup is drinking your coffee like it’s her morning routine. You rush over, save what’s left of your drink, and think, Why does she keep doing this? It’s frustrating and sometimes even funny, but food and drink thievery is a habit that can quickly get out of hand—and might even be dangerous for your pup.

Why Dogs Try to Steal Food and Drinks

Dogs are opportunistic eaters, and your snacks (or coffee!) are highly tempting. Here are some reasons why your dog might be swiping from your plate or mug:

  • Curiosity: Your food smells different and exciting, and they want to investigate (or taste-test).
  • Reinforcement: If they’ve ever succeeded in stealing a bite, they’ve learned it’s worth trying again.
  • Hunger or Lack of Stimulation: If your dog isn’t getting enough to eat or lacks mental and physical activity, stealing food can become their “fun activity.”
  • No Boundaries Established: Dogs need clear rules about what’s off-limits, especially when it comes to food.

Positive Behaviors to Encourage Instead

To redirect your dog’s attention away from your plate, focus on these alternative behaviors:

  1. Staying in their designated spot during mealtime.
  2. Ignoring human food or drinks entirely.
  3. Engaging in an activity, like chewing a toy or playing with a puzzle feeder.

Training Commands for Food Boundaries

Here are three useful commands to teach your dog:

  • “Leave It”: Stops your dog from going after off-limits items, like your food.
  • “Go to Place”: Sends your dog to a specific spot, like a bed or mat, away from the table.
  • “Settle”: Encourages calm, relaxed behavior, even with tempting distractions nearby.

Practice Progressions

“Leave It”

  • Beginner: Hold a treat in one hand and say “Leave it.” When your dog doesn’t grab for it, reward them with a treat from your other hand.
  • Intermediate: Place a treat on the floor, cover it with your hand, and say “Leave it.” Gradually uncover the treat, reinforcing them when they resist the urge to grab it.
  • Advanced: Place food on the table. Use “Leave it” to prevent your dog from going for it. Reward them for staying away.

“Go to Place”

  • Beginner: Guide your dog to a mat or bed, say “Go to place,” and reward them when they stay there.
  • Intermediate: Add distractions like food on the table. Reward your dog for staying in their place.
  • Advanced: Practice with guests eating nearby, reinforcing your dog for staying on their mat.

“Settle”

  • Beginner: Ask your dog to lie down and stay calm while you reward them intermittently.
  • Intermediate: Practice “Settle” during your meals. Reward them for staying calm and relaxed.
  • Advanced: Use “Settle” when food or drinks are left unattended. Reward your dog for ignoring the temptation.

Pixie’s Coffee Heist

Pixie is my little food and drink thief. Her specialty? Coffee. One morning, I made the mistake of leaving my mug on the coffee table while I grabbed my phone. When I turned back, there she was, tail wagging, tongue in my latte. It became a game for her—wait for me to turn my back and then pounce on the prize.

I knew I had to outsmart her. I started practicing “Leave It” every time I made coffee, holding a treat in one hand and my mug in the other. Eventually, Pixie learned that ignoring the coffee got her the treat. Now, she doesn’t touch my mug—though I still catch her giving it longing looks now and then.


Conclusion

Preventing your dog from stealing food or drinks isn’t just about saving your snacks—it’s about keeping them safe and setting clear boundaries. With commands like “Leave It,” “Go to Place,” and “Settle,” you’ll create a more harmonious household and a better-behaved pup.

Consistency, patience, and a lot of positive reinforcement are the keys to success. Remember, every training session strengthens your bond with your dog—and keeps your coffee safe!

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