First let's just clear the air on "people food." I don't like to use that phrase because, frankly, it's all just food. While there are certainly foods that we as humans can eat like grapes, raisins, onions, and chocolate, we all know dogs can't have them. Beyond the list of foods that they can't have, there are so many that they can have and that are actually good for them. Foods like green beans, zucchini, pumpkin, and blueberries are all healthy choices you can share with your dogs without guilt. They can also, however, enjoy plain Greek yogurt, lower fat cheeses, and cottage cheese. As a treat, they can have hot dogs, and meats like ground beef, ground turkey, and ground chicken that can all be given as long as you've not added salt or spices when cooking. Yes, you can even offer a dog a chip, french fry, or pretzel, on occasion, without feeling guilty about doing so. Here's the thing: Moderation is key. Dog owners who never share what they are eating or preparing with their dogs often have dogs who not only crave/beg for those things, they have dogs who are constantly on the lookout for them. These dogs often are the worst scavengers on walks, refusing to leave fallen food items, preferring to swallow them quickly rather than drop them on request. These dogs are also often the ones with frequent gastrointestinal issues, especially around the holidays. Why? Because they are constantly scavenging for the forbidden foods and will find them, often on an unattended guest's plate, and scarf them down before anyone notices. Some of these dogs may even end up with a serious medical issue like pancreatitis because of their behavior.
One of my dearest friends and favorite dog trainers always tells her clients to prime their dog's pump. What does she mean by this? She means, give them a little bit of the foods you eat and that they can safely have, so that they aren't constantly seeking them out; they already know you will share. Doing so also means that their digestive tracts have been exposed to these foods and thus won't be irritated when presented with that food again. Now, obviously, if your dog has serious food allergies you will be even more mindful of what they are eating, but most dogs can have at least a few of the foods I suggested above as safe to share.
So, now that we've established that you can share some of your food with your dog, WHEN you share with them is key. Sharing from the table, for example, may result in a dog who hangs around the table, circling like a hungry hyena. Sharing from the kitchen counter while you are preparing foods may also result in a dog who is constantly underfoot. If, instead, you have your dog rest on their mat or bed away from the table and the kitchen prep area, and then reward them for their quiet stay in place after your meal is done or the prep is complete, you will have a dog with whom you can share tidbits of food as part of your ongoing training with them. You are training them and sharing yummy, high value treats that really reinforce the learning.
Just in case you were wondering if I practice what I preach: I do have my dogs rest on their beds during meals and during food prep. I will also call them over periodically, have them do something cute for me, and then give them a bite, before sending them back to place. Why? Because I like knowing that they will come when called, and return to place as directed, despite the presence of those obvious yummy snacks. I also make my dogs fun treats like frozen lick mats covered in a mixture of peanut butter, Greek yogurt, and blueberries. I also make my dogs "pupsicles," basically liquid yogurt with berries added and then frozen in popsicle molds. I put a tablespoon of canned pumpkin on their meals, and will often add a tablespoon of cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for variety.
I've discovered over the years that dogs, just like people, are made up of some adventurous eaters and some who don't veer far from their tried and true favorites. Henley and Zelly are adventurous eaters. They forage in my gardens for warm, fresh berries right off of the bushes. Both of them love zucchini and apples, and Zelly even loves spinach! Ozzie surfs my strawberry pots every morning without fail, but he doesn't bother with the blueberry bushes as they are a lot of work! Zelly, on the other hand, loves the challenge and will poke her head in the blueberry bushes and pluck her prizes one at a time. While sweet Desi loved pumpkin and strawberries and any kind of meat or cheese, he hated vegetables! If you tried to give him green beans or zucchini, he'd pick around them every time.
Back to my client and her adolescent dog. We worked on teaching her dog where he was supposed to be while she cooked and ate meals. We gave him a frozen lick mat initially to reinforce place, but over time she'll be able to phase that out and give periodic rewards to him. If he gets up and approaches the table or kitchen, he gets one reminder on where he's supposed to be and if he doesn't do so, it's off to a time out. When she introduced string cheese to her training games, he became so much more animated and successful. Tiny little bits of cheese had him finally able to do long line recall, stay for longer than a few seconds, and she was even using cheese to groom him, an activity he'd always hated. A little cheese goes a long way!
As always, if you have questions about your pet's behavior, you know where to find me.
Here's Westley waiting patiently for a "pupcake" my daughter made for him. This was from a recipe for a shareable peanut butter, applesauce, and apple muffin. She topped it with fresh strawberries, a favorite of all of our collies.
