9 TIPS TO TABLE THE PLEAS

Your heart swells as your loyal, loving pet gazes up at you with those soft brown eyes. Then you notice the whining, the drooling and the unrelenting stare at your fork. This isn't about love. It's about your food - she wants it, and she wants it now. It's hard to ignore a good mooch, but if you give in, you'll never have a peaceful meal again. So be strong, hang onto your plate and follow these helpful hints.

1) FEED THEM FIRST. If your dog is really full, she just won't be as inspired to ask for more.

2) DON'T GIVE IN TO GUILT. No matter how much she manipulates your emotions with those Oliver Twist eyes - "Please, master, may I have some of yours?" - remind yourself that your pet is already well-fed and doesn't need human food.

3) MAKE HER LEAVE FOR LEFTOVERS. If you do decide to slip her a snack, don't do it from the table. Otherwise your pet will begin confusing your mealtimes with hers. If you are eating something healthy and can't finish it, at the end put a little in their bowl.

4) LAY DOWN THE LAW. Usually just raising your voice will send your pet scurrying to another room. If that doesn't work, try honking a bike horn or rattling a shake can. After a few times, they should get the message.

5) SAY IT WITH SPRAY. Dogs aren't above trying some pretty pushy maneuvers. To discourage such brazen behavior, surprise your pet with a blast from a spray bottle. The plastic bottle you use to spray plants will do nicely. Just aim for whatever part of your pet is handy.

6) ISOLATE THE PROBLEM. When your dog is driving you crazy, tell her "OUT!" or "LEAVE!" etc. and calmly put her in another room and shut the door. You may get complaints in the form of barking, but don't let her out until you're done eating. Eventually she'll figure out that if she doesn't beg, she doesn't get sent away.

7) TRY A STICKY SOLUTION. Does your dog's begging repertoire include jumping up on kitchen counters? If so, try putting strips of double-sided tape in strategic spots, then stand back and watch. Dogs hate the sensation of their paws getting a little stuck. They're unlikely to return, but just in case, buy an extra-big roll.

8) GIVE IN - JUST A LIITLE. Some people love feeding their pet at the table and don't want to give it up entirely. As a compromise, try slipping them something healthy, like lettuce. If she doesn't like it, you've done your part - and if she does, you're not loading her down with fattening food. .