Q:   I have a 2 year old mixed mutt that I had adopted from the Humane Society. She is pretty well behaved except in one or two areas. Her biggest problem seems to be begging and counter surfing. Is this something that you can help me with?

A:  Dogs are scavengers by nature. They will stare at you with those cute, "feel sorry for me and give me a nibble of your prime rib" eyes all day long. If you give in, you will teach your dog that their persistence has just pay 'ed off, teaching them a learned behavior ( If I sit here and stare long enough, they'll cave, and I win ). The first thing you need to do create a boundary. When you are preparing food in your area, you need to claim that space as your own and not allow the dog into that area.

   Even if you prepare the dogs meal there, they still cannot enter that area while you are in it.  You simply stand tall and firm,say nothing, and use your body to back the dog away from that area. Your actions, will speak louder than words. Dogs do not generalize well, so when you and your family are at the table for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you need to again claim the area, creating a boundary line for you dog not to enter. Back him or her away from the area letting them know that it is unacceptable for them to be there during your mealtime.

    If your dog is pushy and barking, you need to stand your ground,stay persistent and consistent. By them still pushing forward or barking at you, they are still trying to dictate to you, what they want.  Don't give in. This is a behavior that should not be ignored or masked. Dogs that were strays could have a high food and defense drives.

  Behavior Drives are instincts that influence how your dog would react to any given situation or stimulus. If you challenge a dog who has a high food drive, you could unknowingly set off his defense drive, causing him to defend his food, and himself which could quickly lead to aggressive behavior if the dog is confident. Understanding how to encourage or discourage drives is a skill that should be left to a professional trainer.

  There are many behavioral problems such as counter surfing,begging, resource guarding as well as territorial and aggressive issues that are best dealt with at the source rather than at an off site training facility. Behavioral issues are often the result of the dogs environment and its reactions to an interaction within that environment. Altering the environment and the dogs perception of it will help regain stability within the dogs psyche and your pack structure.

 You should always seek the advice or assistance of a professional before attempting any change in your dogs environment to unsure your safety.

This article was published February 1,2009 on Page 3 of the Sunday Sentinel