One Green Bean Hit the Floor, and the Schnauzer Froze
One lonely green bean lies on the worn wooden floor, and a black and silver Miniature Schnauzer named Salt is giving it his full attention. His shaggy eyebrows are pulled low, his ears flop forward, and his gaze is locked on the little green pod as if it might move. In the blurry kitchen behind him you can see dishes, a bowl of cranberries, a pumpkin and a chair draped with a cloth, so the meal is clearly in progress.
Dropped food is one of the most tempting parts of a holiday for a dog, and a fast reaction can help. Plain green beans are generally a safe snack for dogs in small amounts, but the green bean casserole is another story, since it often includes onions, salt, cream and fried toppings. Because the kitchen floor can hold other things, from bits of bone to seasonings, it is best to pick up dropped items quickly. Teaching a leave it cue and rewarding him for waiting makes holiday cooking easier. Schnauzers are clever dogs, so they often pick up this kind of rule fast.
Salt has not touched the bean yet. He seems to be thinking about it, weighing the risks and the rewards with deep concentration. It is a tiny moment of suspense on a busy day, and everyone in the room is likely holding their breath to see which way it goes.
