How do I stop my dog stealing food from the table

The single most reliable step is simply never leaving food within reach unattended, even briefly, since a dog only needs one successful theft to reinforce trying again, and preventing that first success is far easier than reversing an established habit.

A well trained place or settled cue gives the dog a specific, rewarded job to do during meals instead of hovering near the table, and combined with a reliable leave it, gives you a practical tool for the moments food is genuinely at risk.

A dog getting adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and regular meals is generally less driven to seek out opportunistic food than an under stimulated or genuinely hungry one, so reviewing the overall routine can reduce the underlying motivation alongside direct management.

Children in particular can unintentionally undermine an otherwise well managed no stealing routine by leaving a plate within reach while distracted, so involving the whole family in understanding why consistent food placement matters, framed as a simple, shared household habit rather than a punishment focused rule, tends to produce more reliable long term compliance than relying on one person to catch every lapse. A quick, calm reminder in the moment, rather than frustration, keeps the whole approach feeling manageable and sustainable for everyone involved, dog included.