Technique

Every self-respecting canine knows how to request food.* Sure, my kibble is nutrionally complete and quite tasty on its own. I do spin and twirl when it's dinnertime--I can't help myself, I just love to eat. But oh, how dark my days would be if I had no table scraps to look forward to.
I consider myself an accomplished food-requester. It is something I have been practicing a long time, at least since I was a puppy. Back when I lived in the country, the humans would sit on the porch and the lower height of the porch furniture was much to my advantage. So, I've prepared a few tips for anyone who is looking for a little jumpstart to their food-requesting program.

• Perfect your stare. The most successful stares are the ones that tread the delicate ground between obvious and timid. Subtle, really. Think of your eyes as low-pulse beams, directed at your human and nothing else, not quite becoming a distraction--yet impossible to ignore.

Stare

•  Edge closer to your human. Many dogs are actually too hesitant in this regard. Now of course you have to respect the rules of your house, but I have found that if a human is engrossed in conversation or chewing, he often won't notice you creeping up until your head is in his armpit. This is effective because even though it might be annoying, you have claimed their attention. Once you've done this, go back to the stare. It will be much harder for them to ignore now. 

Edge closer

• Be sure that you are in correct food-requesting sit form. Standing is not effective; nor is lying down. And certainly not counter-surfing, which always backfires. The proper sit has your haunches tucked under your torso, making your head look big and your body look small. Small and famished. In need of a table scrap.

Observe this form.

• If the humans are not quite getting it, or are resistant, feel free to use any tricks you have developed for getting your canine way. For me, a tilted head and raised eyebrows works well. I will occasionally lick my chops to drive home the point. You don't want to go overboard, but sometimes humans need a nudge.

Don't be afraid to let the human know how much you would appreciate a treat.


I hope these tips are helpful! If not healthful.


Success!

Mother would like me to add this: don't worry, I don't eat potato chips on a regular basis.



*Remember: it's not begging.