Help me stop my dog from counter surfing.

[Brett K]

Cooper, our 9mo old Irish setter is a great dog, but also a typical Irish setter. We are continuing to work with training and he does great on the leash with a pinch collar. As long as the collar is on, he will sit, down, stay, come with rarely a need for any correction whatsoever. When the leash is off, he just can't pass up a tasty treat on the counter. He knows exactly how many feet away from you he needs to be so that he can grab it before you can stop him. I tried tonight putting his collar and leash on in the kitchen. I put all of his favorite treats like a stick of butter, piece of bread, and even some pieces of roast within easy reach. He just sat their and stared and then took a nap.

I need to catch him in the act and be able to give him a correction but he knows what I'm up to. If I just give him a verbal reprimand, he looks very apologetic but it seems the reward is worth it.

[Milton Fox]

Cooper for the win! Wait till he figures out how to open the fridge! :cheers:

[LATB]

Here's what I did:

I push everything back. Out of reach. Then our pup still would reach up with front paws on counter, always looking sometimes grab a rag or napkin. No food.

I used the little compressed air can. And when she got up with front paws...I gave a quick air burst. Not at her. And don't look at her so she knows where it's coming from and be afraid of you. Limited times. Maybe 2-3 over a week.

Now. I can fix her food bowl on the counter. And she WILL NOT jump up. She sits still and waits.

Chloe
<<<
10 month old Eng Lab. Who has more energy than you could imagine. She may think she's a 40 lb lap dog. But she's an athlete.

[Brett K]

Cooper for the win! Wait till he figures out how to open the fridge! :cheers:

He impresses me with some of the things he has figured out. My favorite one is that he will wake up in the middle of the night when it is cold sleeping on his blanket on the floor. He goes to the deck door and barks. When I come to let him out, he races back and jumps into my spot on the bed.:issues:

He also knows when you forget to lock the bathroom door. He will open the door and jump in the shower with you.:lol:

[Kerrmudgeon]

Mouse traps.......a little too much, right? :hide:

[Bill]

He impresses me with some of the things he has figured out. My favorite one is that he will wake up in the middle of the night when it is cold sleeping on his blanket on the floor. He goes to the deck door and barks. When I come to let him out, he races back and jumps into my spot on the bed.:issues:

He also knows when you forget to lock the bathroom door. He will open the door and jump in the shower with you.:lol:

Maybe your pup is related to this guy?

http://freeshopmanual.com/uploads/photos/Lick-Bums.jpg

[island14]

He impresses me with some of the things he has figured out. My favorite one is that he will wake up in the middle of the night when it is cold sleeping on his blanket on the floor. He goes to the deck door and barks. When I come to let him out, he races back and jumps into my spot on the bed.:issues:


So who is training who? :island14:

:rofl:

[LATB]

My pup can open the door...an in swing door, go outside...grab a ball from the yard usually covered in sand and muck, and bring it in the liv room drop it at my feet...look at me like I'm gonna throw it. :Jeff '79:

And she drags in pine cones and sticks. Once drug in a branch the size of a baseball bat. :Jeff '79:

[ApexOversteer]

She may think she's a 40 lb lap dog. But she's an athlete.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/ApexOversteer/1038/Ash-fantastic-mr-fox-10762113-500-268.jpg

[Cybercowboy]

He also knows when you forget to lock the bathroom door. He will open the door and jump in the shower with you.:lol:

We have a walk-in shower in the master bathroom. Out cat Ozzy will come in there while you are showering and lick the floor. When you get out, he'll stand next to you and attempt to lick as much water as possible off your legs. It's disgusting. My wife lets him do it, I kinda jump around.

['77Babe]

I'm no expert, but I would make it a priority that he learns to listen without the collar being on. He's way too smart. :lol:

[Aerovette]

1. Dollar Store spay bottle. Keep it handy and when the dog goes for it...supersoaker !
2. A coffee can full of pebbles. When they do something wrong... or appear to be contemplating it, rattle the can and it breaks their focus.
3. A dose of cayenne. We did this to a plant that our dog insisted on chewing. Sprinkled it on the lower leaves and she leaves it alone.