THE ATTACK OF THE TABLE SHARK
July 28th marks the beginning of Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. We are simultaneously fearful and fascinated with these creatures of the deep. However, what do you do when a four-legged furry friend, known as the table shark, exhibits those same predatory tendencies with your lunch/snack/dinner? To celebrate Shark Week I thought we would share tips to tame your four legged table shark.
TIPS TO TRAIN THE TOP OFFENDERS
Dogs are the number one culprits of table sharking. When a dog “counter-surfs” and successfully finds and takes food, he learns that searching for food anywhere and everywhere ends in reward. As a result, the reinforced behavior becomes difficult to reverse. However, there are a few things that can be done to combat this behavior. The American Kennel Club offers these tips:
- Remove the opportunity. If not, even a crumb is left on the countertop, the dog will eventually stop coming, similar to the effect of leaving a bird feeder empty. Eventually, the birds will stop coming.
- Reward him for resisting. When you see the dog roaming the kitchen, train him to go back to his place and reward him for it.
- Teach him “leave it.” Whenever you see the dog sniffing for food, use the command “leave it” to train him to back away.
WHAT ABOUT CATS?
Is there anything more futile than telling a cat what to do? Cats have a reputation for doing things their way and attempting to discipline a cat will more often than not lead to failure and a lousy relationship with the cat. If your cat is climbing on countertops or furniture, you can try a homeopathic solution. Essential oils can work as a great repellant. Here are a few examples that you can try that you will enjoy but your cat will avoid:
- Eucalyptus oils a scent that will keep your cat across the room. The scent is minty with a hint of honey, which humans love, and cats hate.
- Citronella is known for keeping mosquitoes away, but cats also wince at the smell. You will want to keep this off your skin and your cat’s skin; therefore, the best use is a candle on the kitchen countertop.
- Citrus is another effective repellant that people love, and cats do not. Lemon and orange are found in many natural cleaning agents. You can simply use these to clean the kitchen, and your cat will likely avoid that area.
There are also essential oils that can keep a cat in places of which owners approve. Catnip and valerian root are highly attractive to cats. Placing a tiny drop on a cat bed or a scratching post will certainly lure a cat to that area.
STOP THE BEGGING.
Dogs are known for begging for food. They often inch closer and closer, testing the boundaries before they reach for a bite. There are ways to avoid this kind of behavior:
- Ignoring him can be very effective. Don’t make eye contact. Don’t give in even once. If you have fed him in the past, be prepared for an extinction burst, a flurry of activity that happens when behavior no longer gains the rewards it previously did.
- Train your dog to love a nonfood positive reinforcement for behavior. For example, you can use a clicker to treat your dog to associate lying on a mat with getting a treat; thereby isolating treat rewards to a specific area.
- Use baby gates or a food puzzle toy to occupy your dog while you eat. This is an effective method to use while training.
The key to success is finding the right technique for your pet and you. Above are just a few you can try.
To Your Pet’s Good Health,
Dr. Barry
Sources:
https://www.emaxhealth.com/13638/3-essential-oils-keep-cats-furniture-naturally
https://www.petcha.com/stop-dogs-begging-food/
https://www.southbostonanimalhospital.com/blog/how-to-teach-your-dog-to-stop-begging-for-food
