Confessions of a Dog Trainer. Part 1: Feeding from the Table!
By Sue McCabe
I have a confession. I sometimes feed my dogs from the table. When I go out to eat with my dog we are sharing quality time, and a meal together. So as long as my dog is quiet and calm and settled, he gets to share my food or he gets a Kong of his own to enjoy. Below is a picture of my pup Jellybean having lunch with me at a coffee shop in Warwick Bridge, England.
I don’t do this at home and since he’s never been fed from the table there, he never bothers me there. Dogs are contextual learners. Where they learn something, is intrinsically part of what they’re learning. You’re allowed to have your own rules for your dog. Don’t let anyone tell you that something shouldn’t be allowed because of inaccurate, outdated theories of dominance or leadership.
Jellybean and are are buddies and just like I wouldn’t tolerate being treated a certain way by my human friends, I equally expect my dog friends to respect the boundaries I lay down as part of our friendship. But being buddies for me means it’s okay to share food sometimes.
About the Author
Since 2005, Sue McCabe has provided behavioural advice and training for dogs across Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland and North East England. Her business, Muttamorphosis also offers puppy, clicker and Kennel Club Good Citizen training classes. Sue provides trained dogs for photoshoots, TV and film work. She also runs masterclasses including canine first aid courses; specialist seminars and workshops.