How to Train Dogs Not to Steal Food

There are a lot of reasons to teach your dog to stop stealing food. In addition to your disappointment when you discover your dog has gulped down your dinner, stealing food from the table, counter or stove could put your dog in danger. Not only might your dog steal food items that are poisonous to her, the dog could pull something hot or sharp onto herself. Teaching your dog to stop stealing food involves recognizing the reason she is engaging in the behavior, as well as taking steps to make food thieving impossible.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats

Instructions

    • 1

      Teach your dog the "no" command. When you see your dog going for your dinner, tell him "no." When he retreats from the food, offer him a treat and praise him for not stealing. In time, he̵7;ll come to understand the meaning of "no" and that it applies to taking food from the table, counters or stove.

    • 2

      Teach your dog the "leave it" command. Hold a treat in your open hand and tell your dog to "leave it." If the dog sits calmly and doesn̵7;t try to take the food, give her the treat. If she nudges it with her nose or tries to take it from you, close your fist around the treat and do not open it until she is calm again. Repeat the training until the dog understands the meaning of "leave it" and that she is rewarded for waiting.

    • 3

      Feed your dog only from her bowl. Don̵7;t allow her to clean the scraps from your plate or give her treats from the ingredients when you are cooking. Doing so reinforces the idea that she can take what she wants in the kitchen.

    • 4

      Feed your dog well. If your dog is routinely stealing food from your kitchen, try increasing the number of meals you offer him each day--though not necessarily the amount of food you give him each day. For example, if you feed him two meals per day now, try feeding him three meals per day--one in the morning, one when you get home from work and one when the family has dinner.

    • 5

      Exercise your dog regularly. Dogs with pent up energy are more likely to misbehave, including stealing food from the table or counters. A dog that is tired is generally a well-behaved dog.