I'll "Down Stay" for a Puppy Biscuit

Both Emme and Rudy follow me into the kitchen every time I go there. They love to hang around and see if they will get tastes of the food I am preparing for a meal or snack. Usually when I am cutting up fruit or vegetables, I give each dog a small taste. I am careful what I give them and never give them much, but they both love the tastes of "people food." We have never given either dog food from the table, so they don't expect any handouts and don't beg at the table. (With the possible exception of Emme whining for oranges. She has never gotten any table treats, but she loves citrus fruit so much she sometimes tries anyhow.)

When we first got Rudy, he was excited to be in the kitchen and wanted to be under my feet. That seemed like a recipe for disaster. I could just picture me tripping over him or dropping hot food or liquid on him, so I taught him to "Down Stay" out of the way. When Emme came to live with us, she watched Rudy and pretty much taught herself to "Down stay" in the kitchen. When they are in the kitchen and I am preparing food or Ken and I are doing dishes, Rudy and Emme plop down on the floor and just wait. For their efforts they get occasional people food or a half of a puppy biscuit. Small price for keeping the dogs out of our way. They are good dogs.