Earlier in the year we thought we were going to lose both dogs at about the same time, and all rules just went out the window. Dutchess was allowed on the couch anytime she wanted (I had it covered with a sheet,) and that led to some hilarious moments as she would look at me like, “OMG! Mom’s gonna kill me!!!” But she got used to it.
I also started feeding them bits of whatever I was eating right from my had, which has always been a big NO for me (but not for Rick.) If I had some left over I might put it in their bowl when they weren’t looking, so they wouldn’t associate it with me.
Dutchess died in Feb. or so, but Dakota is still with us. And she turned into the most ill mannered, spoiled brat dog in the world! Finally about 3 weeks ago I said, ”ENOUGH!!” and stopped with the hand feeding crap.
”No, Dakota.. You can not have any of my food. No, don’t even bother getting up because the answer is NO!”
It took a while, but she’s almost back to normal. She barely reacts when I walk by her with food.