In partnership with

Paws Off the Pans: Creating a Calm and Safe Kitchen for You and Your Dog

We love our dogs. They're our furry shadows, our loyal companions, and often, our most enthusiastic admirers – especially when the delightful aromas of cooking start wafting through the house. Those hopeful eyes and that gently thumping tail near the stove can be endearing, but let's be honest: a busy kitchen isn't always the safest or most practical place for our four-legged friends.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Power in Prevention

Between hot pans, sharp knives, potential spills, and tempting-but-toxic dropped ingredients (hello, onions and chocolate!), the kitchen during meal prep can be a hazard zone for an curious pup. Plus, trying to navigate around an underfoot canine can turn cooking from a joy into a stressful obstacle course.

So, how do we keep our beloved companions safe and happy, while reclaiming our cooking space? It's all about creating clear boundaries with kindness and consistency. Here are some warm ways to achieve kitchen harmony:

Management Magic

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best starting point. Physical barriers work wonders!

Baby Gates are Your Best Friend

A sturdy baby gate across the kitchen entryway is often the easiest and most effective way to create a dog-free zone. Your pup can still see and hear you, reducing separation anxiety, but they stay safely out of the culinary action.

Cozy Crates or Playpens

If your dog is crate-trained and views their crate as a safe den, encourage them to relax there with a special chew toy while you cook. A doggy playpen set up just outside the kitchen can also work beautifully.

Training Time: Teaching "Place" is Priceless

Management is great, but training empowers your dog to make good choices. Teaching a solid "Place" command is invaluable.

Designate a "Dog Spot"

Choose a comfy bed or mat located outside the kitchen, but perhaps still within eyesight. This will be your dog's designated spot to relax while you cook.

Make it Rewarding

Start by luring your dog onto the mat with a treat. Say "Place" as they step onto it, then reward them. Gradually increase the time they need to stay before getting a reward. Practice this outside of cooking times initially.

Practice During Calm Prep

Once they understand the concept, ask them to go to their "Place" while you do simple, quiet kitchen tasks (like washing vegetables). Reward them frequently for staying put.

Build Up to Busy Times

As they get better, practice during actual cooking. You might need to reward more often initially. The goal is for them to learn that relaxing on their mat while you cook is a rewarding experience.

Redirect That Energy: Give Them a Better Offer!

Why hang around the boring kitchen when there's something much more interesting to do elsewhere?

• High-Value Chew Toys: Before you start cooking, give your dog a long-lasting, super exciting chew toy like a stuffed Kong (frozen for extra longevity!), a bully stick, or a safe dental chew. Make it a "kitchen time only" treat to keep it special.

• Puzzle Power: Food-dispensing puzzle toys are fantastic for engaging your dog's brain and keeping them occupied.

Consistency is Key (and Kind!)

Whatever method you choose, consistency is crucial. Everyone in the household needs to be on the same page. If one person lets the dog wander in while cooking and another doesn't, your pup will just get confused. Gentle, consistent boundaries are easier for your dog to understand.

Keep it Positive!

Remember, we're not punishing our dogs; we're teaching them safe habits. Use positive reinforcement – lots of praise, petting, and tasty treats – when they stay calmly out of the kitchen or relax on their designated spot. This makes the desired behavior much more likely to stick.

Creating a dog-free cooking zone doesn't mean loving your dog any less. It means loving them enough to keep them safe and reducing your own stress levels so you can enjoy the process of making delicious meals. With a little planning, patience, and positive reinforcement, you can achieve a peaceful kitchen where both chef and canine companion are happy and secure.

Happy cooking, and happy tails (wagging safely outside the kitchen)!

Daily Superfood Support for Aging, Medium-to-Large Dogs

You invest in your own wellness—why not your dog’s?

Designed for medium-to-large dogs, POP-Topper is a science-backed, premium daily supplement developed by animal health researchers in New Zealand.

Each single-serve sachet delivers clean, targeted support with human-grade superfoods like green-lipped mussels (for omega-3s), bilberry (for antioxidants), beef bone broth (for collagen), and kiwi (for vitamin C). No fillers. No additives. Just results.

Especially if your dog’s on kibble and curious about fresh food, POP-Topper fits seamlessly into your routine—and helps support long-term joint, immune, and brain health.

Try POP-Topper—$49/Month (30 servings)

Like newsletters?

Here are some newsletters our readers also enjoy:

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure

• Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.

• Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.

• Blue Ridge Beef - Puppy Mix for potential salmonella.

The Smile Section

If you have a photo and/or story that can make us smile, send it to [email protected].

Vet Recommendation — Ingredients Can Spell Danger

An active kitchen presents numerous hazards for a curious canine. Hot surfaces like stovetops and oven doors, along with boiling liquids or sizzling pans, pose a serious risk of severe burns. Dropped utensils, especially sharp knives, or broken dishes can cause painful cuts. Furthermore, many common human foods frequently used in cooking – such as onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, and ingredients containing xylitol – are toxic to dogs and can easily be spilled or dropped within their reach.

Treats

• 🐶 Delightful Dachshunds: Check out these adorable dachshunds looking for their own world record!

• ✍️ Join Our Facebook Group and Share Photos of Your Pup(s)!

Want your dog to be featured?

We’d love to!

Think your dog can make us smile? Submit a pic to [email protected] with your dog’s name and reference Sit & Stay for a chance to see your pet in our Smile Section!