Teach Dog To Beg

The naturals: Teaching the art of begging
Some dogs are born beggars. Your dog may have even discovered the begging

trick by herself during one of her more-successful ploys to get attention.

If your dog is a natural beggar, praise her each time she offers you the begging

behavior. Soon you’ll have a smart aleck on your hands who sits up at

every opportunity, and you’ll have no trouble getting her to beg on cue.

Here’s how to teach the begging trick:

1. Instruct “Sit” and make sure the dog is sitting squarely (not leaning to

either side).

If your dog is relatively coordinated but often gets a little too excited

about food rewards — she’s jumping, turning inside out, and basically

unable to sit still — make her part of the “Corner Crew”: Start the dog

out in a corner of the room to help her feel more secure. Tuck her back

end toward the wall. The walls on either side help limit and guide her

movements. If she’s super-excited, practice when her energy is lower,

such as late in the evening or after a good romp.

2. Take a treat and hold it an inch above her nose.

3. As she stretches to sniff the treat, bring it back slowly between her

ears as you command, “Ask nicely.”

The dog should rise up to follow the path of the treat.

4. Click (or say “Yes!”) and reward the dog’s split-second attempt to sit up.

After she catches on, hold out on rewarding treats for performances that

are more balanced.

The hand signal for this trick is to move your palm upward, facing the sky.

Start your hand at your hip and move it to your chest level.

Bowser bracers: Begging for a little help
If your dog is less than coordinated, you need to be a more active participant

in the learning phase of begging. Try this approach:

1. Sit your dog squarely (not leaning to either side) and instruct “Stay.”

Stand directly behind her tail with your heels together and your toes out

to either side of her spine.

2. Hold a treat above her nose and bring it upward and back toward her

ear (see Figure 6-3a).

3. Give the command “Ask nicely,” and as your dog begins to rise, brace

her back with your legs for support (see Figure 6-3b).

Figure 6-3:

4. Click (or say “Yes!”) and reward the slightest lift.
Gradually, hold out for routines that are more balanced (though still
supported).

5. When you see that she can balance well with your help, try supporting
the dog with just your knees.
Eventually, she’ll perfect a steady balance while supported by your
knees.

6. Withdraw your support in increments until you’re just standing there
cheering your pal on.
Fairly soon, you can begin to step away. See how she shines!