This is really good advice and something a lot of people forget! Especially the last part. Dogs need mental stimulation too. Would you be happy if you got to go to the gym every day but were not allowed to read a book, watch tv, sit at your PC or talk to friends? Don't think so.
My dog definitely "steals" food as often as she can, and it's always our fault for leaving it where she can reach it. She's eaten bit chunks of cheese, a huge lemon curd pie, and even chocolate! Luckily she has always been fine, but you really have to be careful. She does know she's not allowed to though, because the times I do catch her she immediately runs to her cage and hides.
I don't think the whole "if you don't give them scraps they won't know how to beg" thing is true either. Our food smells delicious to them, so much better than their dog food, so of course they're going to be interested!
