The kitchen

[scottermac]

Any suggestions out there for keeping our pitbull out of the kitchen during cooking times ? We are looking for ideas besides physical barriers and one of us playing gatekeeper. Thanks everyone.

[loverocksalot]

Train "go to your spot" toss treats to dog at his spot when he stays on his spot. After repeating of this dog learns if I stay on my spot I might get some of the food they are cooking. Takes some time but works. Also train go to spot for dogs dinner time. Dog stays on spot until commanded to eat the food you put in the bowl.

[emilys]

why don't you want to use physical barriers? they're so simple!

[maryellen]

i have a baby gate to my kitchen, its awesome.. mine did get taught to stay out, but when others are in the kitchen the dogs will take advantage of it..

[suziriot]

Some may not be able to use physical barriers due to the layout of their kitchen, in which case Carolann's suggestion of training "go to your spot" would be a good alternative. Another option would of course be to crate the dog during meal prep. In any case, teaching a dog the "go to your spot" command is useful in so many scenarios.

[loverocksalot]

^yes very useful. And That is exactly why I suggested it. Not able to gate off my kitchen without assembling an extra large barrier. And people think it is so cool that Rocky will go to his spot when told. He might be shaking and drooling but he is there waiting for some scrumptious crumbs. However he does often slip away and sit for hours on floor below stove waiting for the tray of french fries to fall. I dont mind that as long as we are not eating or cooking with him under my feet.

[maryellen]

my old kitchen was open to the dining room so i had to teach the dogs to go to a specific spot... dog blankets in 3 areas and taught them to stay there

[happypuppy]

I have trouble with that one... as soon as Ruby hears chopping, she runs in and gets under the cutting board/bread board. LOL She has gotten lucky in the past with things that roll off like carrot slices. And if I can manage to get her out, she lays right in the middle of the doorway! For the most part, staying under the bread board is safe. I've nearly dropped knives on her but haven't stuck her yet!