So I got an alarm clock specifically to alert Jetta to her dinnertime. I set it and when it sounds, she runs to find me, thrilled with the prospect of dinner. I am always ecstatic for her: "Jetta! Time to eat! Yeah! Let's eat!"

Now she waits for the alarm. My movement and activity are no longer the predictors of her mealtime, so there is no reason to focus on me. She waits calmly; usually she sleeps.

If you have the same issue with your pooch (and find it annoying) you can easily change this behavior. Get an alarm clock that you use for nothing else. That part is very important. Set it, and ignore your dog until it rings. When it does, feed him immediately. You want him to KNOW that until the alarm sounds, he doesn't eat.

Dogs require repetition, repetition, repetition to learn new things, so do this every mealtime. If you want to speed up the process, divide his meals into several portions and set the alarm, ignoring him TOTALLY. Feed him a portion when it rings, set the alarm for 5-10 minutes later, ignore him, feed him when it rings, and so on.

If your dog associates mealtime with your presence and activity in the kitchen, or wherever it is that you keep the food and bowl, be sure to NOT be there when the alarm buzzes until she has had enough repetition to break that connection.

Have fun with it and enjoy a more relaxed dog.

Get more tips and tricks on loving and living with dogs by subscribing to the free 2,500+ subscriber "Doggie Parenting 101" e-Letter sent weekly by Nanny 911 For Dogs. Nanny offers in-home dog training and behavior modification from Eugene, OR to Battle Ground, WA. She also teaches her "Doggie Parenting 101" class. Contact her at 503.370.7000 or nanny911fordogs.com.