Does your dog consistently attempt to snatch food off your kitchen counter? It can be exasperating when your foo
Does your dog consistently attempt to snatch food off your kitchen counter? It can be exasperating when your food isn't safe from sneaky dogs, even when you place it up high. This article offers insight on how to address this common issue often referred to as ‘counter surfing’. It explores various training methods and preventive strategies that can be employed to stop your canine companion from maintaining this bothersome behavior.
Understanding Counter Surfing
‘Counter surfing’ is a term commonly used when your dog jumps up on a table or counter to help itself to whatever treats it might find up there, essentially surfing your kitchen counter for snacks. In essence, your furry companion finds it rewarding to explore and scavenge your kitchen counter for anything that appears potentially edible or interesting to them.
Effective Ways to End Counter Surfing
Keeping Counters Clear
The principle strategy to thwarting counter surfing is ensuring your dog does not get rewarded for jumping up on the counter. The kitchen counter and tables should always be kept completely clean, especially when not you are not present there to supervise. Any success in snagging even the smallest nibble of something will result in your dog being rewarded for the inappropriate behavior. Consequently, each reward will likely reinforce the behavior, as your dog would've gotten what it wanted, thus making it likely to repeat its actions.
Four Paws on the Floor Training
A proven method that can help your dog understand that staying on the ground is more rewarding is emphasizing the rule of keeping all four paws on the floor. Once you have developed the habit of keeping your counters clean, your dog will find fewer incentives to jump up. Rewarding your dog anytime it maintains all four paws on the floor, especially during kitchen activities, reinforces the idea that rewards come from being on the floor and not by jumping up on the counter.
Compliance with Command
Implementing the "leave it" command can also be beneficial. In instances where someone accidentally leaves food on the counter, the "leave it" command instructs your dog to refrain from going after the food. Offering a treat only when your dog has abided by keeping all four paws on the floor and sat upon hearing the command can reinforce the notion that staying on the ground is more rewarding than succumbing to the counter surfing tendency.
Addressing Persistent Counter Surfing Behaviour
Dealing with persistent 'counter surfing' behaviour might necessitate seeking expert assistance. If the techniques highlighted above yield unsatisfactory results, it would be advisable to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. In the meantime, demonstrating patience, and consistency in applying the discussed strategies are paramount in fostering the desired behavioural changes.
