You may have a dog that has become a professional counter surfer. I hope not, but you are in the right place for some tips and help. A professional counter surfer is a dog that has been reinforced by the yummy food they have successfully gotten off the countertop.
You will need to start off by removing access to the resource. You can block the area with a gate at the kitchen door or teach the dog to rest on a bed with a long-lasting treat to chew on. You can also use a crate. During meal preparation time, the air is full of good smells. If the dog happens to be stealing food during your cooking time, remove the chairs because some dogs are very clever. They can climb up or even move the chairs around.
We want to keep the dog busy during meal preparation time. Food puzzles or brain games are helpful. The dog in the video has not attempted to counter surf, but I have been keeping him busy during meal preparation. He is actually eating his meal from the toy. I put only a portion of his meal into the toy, then reload it until he has completed his meal. This keeps him busy and out of the kitchen, also provides mind stimulation for him. Dogs don't always need to be fed from a bowl. Many dogs like searching and its good for their minds. This toy Rascal has to move it for his food to pop out, then he has to get the food from the floor.
A used plastic bottle can be used too. Put portions of the kibble into a bottle and allow the dog to move it around. The food will scatter, and your dog will search for it.
Keeping your dog busy during meal preparation will help to prevent counter surfing. Another tip to remember. If your dog does steal something from the countertop don't chase them. You will increase the value of the item. Having the dog bring it to you will be less reinforcing that playing keep away. Make a trade with the dog but be sure to act casually. If you decide to train your dog to go to a bed. You can use a remote treat dispenser and click the remote to deliver the treat and reinforce the good behavior.
Another way setup where you're in another room and you are using the remote teat dispenser as a reinforcer, that way your dog will learn that even if you're not there it still pays to walk by and not go steal things from the countertop. You want to generalize with distance, distraction and duration. You may have a higher value food on the counter, and you happen to be further away, or distractions have suddenly occurred. If you do catch your dog about to steal defiantly cue "Leave It" if your dog has been trained this cue.
There may be times you need to block access with your body sort of physically step in with your body between the object if you're close enough and then a short pause, so you are not reinforcing right away. Then give your dog something else.
Thank you for reading and I do hope this was helpful. Put your items away and reinforce good decisions.
© 2025 Mecca Curtice Mecca's All Breed Dog Training, LLC.
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