We don't usually have hot dogs on Sunday night. I've got nothing against the sausages, but Sunday night is usually dedicated to my more adventurous cooking escapades. You know, Shrimp Etouffee, and other meals that take hours and hours. But tonight was going to be different. We needed some time, so we planned ahead and got perhaps the easiest comfort food to prepare.
Why such a hurry? Well, because of the other dog in the picture. That's Clinton. He's a Beagle/Lab mix that's about 10 weeks old. He pees everywhere he can. I swear. He pees when he's happy, when he's scared, and when other people try to pet him. He has peed on the carpet, kitchen floor, bathroom tiles, or anywhere else he wanders to. But we can't scold him for now because he's the most adorable little dog I've ever seen. Abby and I have had him for one day.
Abby has experience with miniature dachshunds, but this is my first ever dog. I haven't the slightest clue what I'm doing. I'm sure this peeing fit is fine. I just got back from the corner bar so I could pick up some of the weekly free papers. Maybe he'll pee on those. Otherwise our house will smell bad.
And if getting a new dog wasn't celebration enough, the hot dogs were also phenomenal. In fact, they were some of the best ones I've ever had. I picked them up at the Columbus North Market from the Bluescreek Farm Meats. They butcher their own animals, and use natural casing for the dogs. These had a big beefy flavor with that nice crispy exterior. I cooked them exactly like Nathan's would: on a stove top, lapped with butter, and cooked until the skins started to pop. I then slathered it with lots of mustard and never looked back.
Clinton didn't much care for the dogs, or eating on his first day. But I'm hoping he helps me along later on. Anyone else cook with a dog in house?
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Just for the record, we did not actually give Clinton hot dogs. He wouldn't even eat his own food on day one. As of 7am on day two, however, he has discovered milk bones and rawhide. Oh, and he's beginning to find the newspaper. What a cutie!
I have to agree, he's pretty cute! I can't make judgement on the hot dogs as I don't eat them, but the real dog is adorable!
Hey Paupered,
Cute pup, and great name!
I have 2 myself, chihuahuas named Peter and Hermes, and a cat Duncan. I also happen to cook.
The peeing is probably normal. It's not always easy to house train a puppy, so don't loose courage. I suggest you get yourself a playpen or a kennel and train that way, there are many articles and books about this method, and it saves your floors/furniture much abuse. If the peeing continues when he's excited or scared, they call that "stress" or "submission" peeing, and they can actually prescribe a pill that tightens up the muscle that controls urination.
About cooking with dogs: It's rather rewarding, as often the dogs know a treat is coming and watch me with rather startling intensity.
Since you are a new dog owner and a cook, I'll give you some advice that may be helpfull.
Being a cook, you may be tempted to feed your dog lots of things from the kitchen. You have to be careful of a few things.
Onions are poisonous to dogs, it lyses their white blood cells. Anything in the family is the same, leeks, shallots, scallions, etc. Garlic is tolerated in small amounts.
Macadamia nuts cause painful muscle paralysis and tremors, even with just a couple of them.
Chocolate very is deadly (theobromide reaction) even in small amounts, esp baking chocolate.
Never give a dog cooked bones, only raw ones and even then be careful to only use large knuckles and thigh bones. Anything that splinters can cause punctured bowel. Poultry bones are a total-no-no unless you pressure cook them with something acidic until they are basically mush.
I cook specifically for my pups occasionally, and they love it. Avoid processed foods such as wheat/corn and fillers, they aren't natural for dogs. Heap on beef/lamb/chicken etc, including offal, as well as some veggies. Chicken livers are a great treat, any liver actually, but too much is bad for them and can lead to kidney problems.
Dog's don't need salt, and feeding a dog spicy food will make you regret it when it's time to clean up during your walks.
Lunch meats are usually not so good for dogs, high in sodium and nitrites, although a piece here and there won't be a problem.
Don't worry about feeding dogs fatty things, they have a much higher body temperature than humans, and a higher blood pressure. They are not susceptible to arterial plaque like humans, and they really don't live long enough to grow it anyways.
Foods high in carbs cause dogs to have gas.
My dog's love omlettes (no onion of course), with spinach and mozz. I slip them a few bites of bacon every now and then.
Enjoy cooking with Clinton, and good luck on house training!
-dr
Hey! Thanks so much for the info. He's been much better on his second day. It's about half accidents / half going outside, which is a marked improvement.
We're just trying to get him to eat anything at the moment, but I'll start getting into what foods he'll like soon. I'd heard about chocolate, but not about onions. I use those a lot! Good to know.
Thanks again!
What wonderful writing and what a beautiful puppy. I have a 4 year old Dalmatian who, now that I'm retired, stays home with me and keeps me company. I can't tell you what a delight it is to have her in the kitchen with me. She's always mindful of my feelings and never passes any 'smart' remarks should I happen to overcook something. When she sees me go into a panic, like when my timing is more off than on, she invariably idles-up to my side and rubs her muzzle next to my leg for comfort. Finally, she knows for certain when it's 'Cracker-Time', the times she likes best. That's when I'm done chopping, dicing, smoking, and boiling and she and I get together for her treat of a cracker and putting on some really good music to listen to. A dog in the kitchen, particularly when you're cooking, is one of those wonderful gifts we ought never to take for granted. Cheers
Jeffrey Steingarten has a great essay on cooking for dogs called, well, "The Man Who Cooked for His Dog," where he wonders why a dog should be made to enjoy hard food pellets.
He tells stories of French kitchens where dogs are fed alongside humans, and the waiters walk them afterwards. Many French chefs begin their apprenticeships at age 16 working on "canine cuisine" because it's all their permitted until they learn the ropes.
When Jeffrey asks Daniel Boulud what to prepare for his dog for his first home-cooked meal, he replies instantly: "A thick soup of root vegetables with beef short ribs and milk."
In general, best are stews with braised, tough cuts (including bones to gnaw), rice/beans/potatoes/pasta, table scraps, cheese rinds, etc. And like DickRebel said, easy on the salt and seasonings.
I think Clinton will have trouble turning that down!
What a handsome puppy!
Henry, our four-month old black Lab, is snoring in his crate at my side as I write this. (Big thumbs up on a crate — you will not regret it.) He didn't want to eat pellets on Day One either. (I think he was terrified by all that was new in his life!) I mixed in a little warm/hot water and the resulting 'gravy' was all it took to change his mind. He was eating like a champ on Day Two.
As for hot dogs, here in Chicago I favor the char dog at the legendary Wiener's Circle. Something about the blistered, blackened skin interacts beautifully with the typical Chicago toppings, especially that nuclear green relish. So, at home on the occasional weeknight we'll throw some hot dogs under the broiler and saute some onions until they are caramel-colored and soft. It's a perfect summer meal.
Have fun with Clinton!
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