Mya has been on a diet for a month, but she still demands treats. Hearing “NO” causes her to have a dramatic meltdown.
Do dogs know what a diet is?
Dogs are not born knowing what a diet is, but they can certainly learn. Dogs are very intelligent creatures, and they are able to pick up on all sorts of cues from their owners. If you are constantly telling your dog to “eat less” or “be good,” then they will start to understand that there is such a thing as a diet. Of course, it’s important to be consistent with your messaging. If you only tell your dog to diet occasionally, then they may not catch on as quickly. But with a little patience and perseverance, most dogs will eventually learn what a diet is and how to stick to one.
When it comes to food, dogs are notoriously enthusiastic eaters. While this may lead some people to believe that dogs have no concept of a diet, the truth is that they are actually quite good at self-regulation. In Fact, most dogs will naturally eat less when they are not hungry and will stop when they are full. However, this instinct can be overridden by certain factors, such as the type of food on offer or the presence of other animals. For example, a dog may overeat if presented with a delicious treat or if there is another dog around who seems to be getting more attention. Ultimately, while dogs may not be able to give a detailed explanation of what a diet is, they are still capable of making sensible food choices.