Training Tip:  Kitchen Safety

As we all know, untrained dogs can cause harm and/or accidents within the home.  There is a lot of potential danger for dogs in the kitchen, especially while you are cooking up a big meal.  During this article we will outline some of the potential issues and teach you ways in which you can address them.

Jumping on Counters – We have spoke about “counter surfing” before.  If dogs see something that they want, they will do whatever it takes to get it!  Fortunately, this is an easy safety issue to avoid.  We always say that prevention is key, and this holds true in this situation.  Remove items from counters (or places that are easily accessible to your dog).  Practice the “leave it: command if you notice that your dog has obtained an item.

Trash – It takes much less time to secure the trash than to teach your dog to leave the trash alone.  This is a true danger, especially if your dog is bored and hungry.  Keep the trash been well-secured and unattainable for your pup.  You will be able to prevent huge messes along the way!

Sharp Objects – Do not leave sharp objects unattended.  Your dog can be severely injured if they meet these items.  Keep them well-secured and out of sight.

Chemicals & Toxic Foods – Some of the most common and potentially hazardous items that can be found in the kitchen are cooked bones, dish detergent, household cleaners, bleach, sponges, and chocolate.  Take time to secure these items out of reach of your four-legged friend.

As you can see, there are many hazards when it comes to your dog in the kitchen.  The good thing is that all of them are preventable with an increased effort on your part.