He'll Have What You're Having
(if you're not careful)
 The scene is almost cliché: A family returns home to find their dog's devoured an entire blueberry pie that was left cooling on the windowsill. Can you blame him? It smelled delicious, and it was right there.
The fact is, no matter how well-trained or how reliable he is, your pup may at some point succumb to counter-surfing, or it's well-known cousin - coffee table cruising. (That is, scrounging for crumbs on the kitchen counter or low-lying tables when he thinks no one is looking.)
So do yourselves both a favor and set your dog up for success by keeping your kitchen surfaces clean - don't give him the option to misbehave. Think about it: your diary says "PRIVATE" in bold letters on the cover, but that doesn't mean you leave it out on the coffee table, right?
In addition, teach your dog what's expected in the kitchen so that when you're preparing dinner or rummaging around for a snack, he knows how to behave. Of course, start this training at a time when you're not frying bacon or making tuna casserole. Go to the kitchen, and when your dog follows, ask him to lie down. (It might be a good idea to have a designated dog bed or spot where you'd prefer him to chill.) Reward him handsomely when he complies. Ask him for a stay, and jackpot him for lying calmly in position, especially if he's prone to following you from fridge to sink to pantry.
In other words, set the groundwork so that the next time you're preparing that holiday meal or sampling the cheese platter, your dog will know the Kitchen Chill Drill.
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Kong Is King And Squirrels Reign Supreme
 And for times you need to spend literally hours in the kitchen basting a turkey or slicing and dicing vegetables?
Keep your dog from looking at you like the forgotten sous-chef by giving him a job of his own. Fill a Kong with peanut butter and dog biscuits - or better yet, his dinner kibble soaked and mushed - and let him lick, dig, and paw it out. Too easy? Whip up a delicious kibble and grated carrot mixture, stuff it in the Kong, and freeze it for a few hours before bestowing to Fido.
If your dog only eats dry kibble, or prefers more bouncy activity, use a Squirrel Dude instead. You'll both be busy, yet only one of you will feel inclined to keep an eye on the stuffing.
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