Counter Surfing
Counter surfing meets the opportunist and scavengers dog are and love to find food and fun!
Meet and use their scavenger needs – use this everywhere where they are allowed to, at home, on walks. Toss kibble on the floor or grass or hide it for them to find. Let your dog sniff and explore on walks.
What’s the best way to keep your pup’s feet off the counters? Prevent them in the first place.
Pups are really adventurous and like to investigate the world around them. They will try things out and if they lead to good outcomes, they will repeat them.
Many people accidentally reinforce counter surfing without realizing it. Pups grow quickly and areas which were out of reach one day, rapidly become accessible as your pup grows. They often jump up and steal something tasty or fun… off the table or kitchen worktop. Every time your pup finds something good, the more they will jump up on surfaces in the future.
Prevent this habit by managing the environment for your pup, put management in place. Clear all counters and tables as well as block access to zones which might be tempting for your pup.
You can then teach your pup to settle on their bed instead and reward this highly so your pup reliably chooses to do this instead of counter surfing.
Remember don’t leave things to chance – be prepared, implement management and set your pup up for success.
Consistency is crucial when addressing counter surfing. If one person in the household allows your dog to hang out near the counters or gives them scraps, it sends mixed signals. Everyone needs to follow the same rules—no food left unattended, no rewarding jumping up, and no exceptions. When your dog gets a clear, consistent message from the whole family, it’s much easier for them to learn what’s expected.
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