Fix Your Dog’s Counter Surfing Before It Starts

Counter surfing, or the act of a dog jumping up onto a counter or table to steal food, can be a frustrating and costly behavior to deal with. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent this behavior from starting in the first place. In this post, we will discuss some tips and techniques to help fix your dog’s counter surfing before it becomes a problem. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be able to enjoy your meals without having to constantly watch your dog’s every move.

Introduction:

Dogs are lovable creatures but sometimes they can be a bit naughty. One such common habit among dogs is counter surfing. Counter surfing is when dogs jump onto counters to grab food or other objects. It is not only annoying but also dangerous as dogs may get hurt or swallow something harmful. Therefore, it is essential to fix this habit before it starts. Here are some tips to help you stop your dog from counter surfing.

  1. They learn it in stages and start from the floor

Counter surfing may seem like an impulsive action, but it is actually learned over time. Dogs develop this habit in stages, starting with stealing food or other items from the floor. They gradually learn that counters are also a source of goodies. Therefore, it is essential to keep food and other items away from the floor to stop counter surfing behavior.

  1. Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior to anticipate counter surfing

It is important to keep an eye on your dog’s behavior to anticipate when they might attempt to counter surf. Dogs usually get drawn to counters when they sense the smell of food. Therefore, it is best to keep food items out of reach by storing them in cabinets or covering them adequately. Moreover, if you notice your dog sniffing around the counter or showing any other suspicious behavior, distract them immediately by calling their name and rewarding them for responding.

  1. Check out the full video on how to stop it

Various resources are available to help dog owners deal with counter surfing. One of the most comprehensive resources is the video by Susan Garrett, a renowned dog trainer and competitor. Susan is an expert in applying science-based learning principles to dog training and her mission is to enhance the relationship between dogs and owners. In her video, she discusses the reasons behind counter surfing and provides detailed steps on how to stop it.

  1. Outsmarting Distractions: How To Use Environmental Reinforcement in Dog Training

One of the most effective ways to stop counter surfing is to use environmental reinforcement in dog training. Environmental reinforcement is a technique that involves redirecting your dog’s attention to another activity when they attempt to counter surf. For example, if your dog jumps on the counter, you can redirect their attention by calling their name and rewarding them for responding. In this way, you can outsmart distractions and reinforce positive behavior in your dog.

  1. Susan Garrett’s Dogs That team offer education and training services globally

Susan Garrett’s team, Dogs That, offers a range of education and training services globally. They are dedicated to promoting dog training that is both fun and effective. They provide various resources, including online courses, webinars, and free videos, to help dog owners train their dogs in a positive and playful way. Moreover, they offer a range of services for dog trainers, including mentorship, coaching, and certification programs.

  1. Follow Dogs That on various social media platforms to stay up to date

To stay up to date with the latest news and updates from Dogs That, it is recommended to follow them on various social media platforms. They regularly update their followers with helpful tips and tricks on dog training. Moreover, they share inspiring success stories of dogs and their owners who have undergone their training programs.

  1. Watch the video to learn more about how to stop your dog from counter surfing

If you are struggling to fix your dog’s counter surfing habit, it is recommended to watch Susan Garrett’s video. In the video, she provides a step-by-step guide on how to stop your dog from counter surfing. Her approach is not only effective but also fun and playful. Moreover, she explains the science behind dog training, which can help you understand your dog’s behavior better.

Conclusion:

Counter surfing may be a challenging behavior to deal with, but with the right techniques, it can be stopped. By keeping food and other items out of reach, anticipating your dog’s behavior, and applying environmental reinforcement, you can prevent counter surfing before it starts. Additionally, resources such as Susan Garrett’s Dogs That team provide excellent support for dog owners and trainers. By following their tips and suggestions, you can build a strong and playful relationship with your dog while fixing their counter surfing habit.