(Photo: Siberian Husky eats a candlelight snack of bread and strawberries…on a table)
You’ve prepared a fantastic meal, or simply set a steak out on the counter to thaw. You turn your back to open a bottle of wine, or ask the kids to set the table, and suddenly the steak is missing. By the time you locate your dog, all that’s left is a stain on the carpet.
Let’s work on preventing this from EVER happening.
Every time you pause to take a photo, you are missing a teachable moment (Photo: terrier with his head resting on a table full of food, drinks, dishes.)
The easiest way to raise a puppy who NEVER counter surfs, is to NEVER allow them the freedom to put their paws up there in the first place. How many pictures have you seen on social media of puppies on countertops and kitchen tables? Hundreds? More? While these photos may bring you “likes,” they also bring you YEARS of drama — because you have to LIVE with that puppy who you TAUGHT to go on kitchen tables and counter tops.
The biggest mistake new puppy owners make is giving too much freedom too fast. Your new puppy should not have the run of your entire house. When they wander around unsupervised they will have accidents and they will put things in their mouths that they shouldn’t. If you aren’t with them, they will learn: “it’s okay to pee wherever I want” and “it’s okay to chew/eat whatever I want.” You need to supervise them at all times. Of course you need to shower and go to work, so this is where crate training comes into play.
Crate training prevents your puppy from wandering around unsupervised and potentially eating something dangerous (that requires surgery to remove, or kills your puppy.) Dogs are naturally den animals, so instinctually they feel safe in a small space and they know not to go to the bathroom in there too.
It’s easier to prevent counter surfing than it is to correct it later on (Photo: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel eating a large dinner roll)
Becoming a pet parent is like becoming a teacher. Every moment in your puppy’s life is a teachable moment. It’s far easier to prevent bad behaviours (like counter surfing and peeing indoors) by simply never letting them happen in the first place.
Counter surfing is an expensive habit to allow. Not only can your puppy eat your expensive meals and snacks, they can also eat the packaging. Vet bills are expensive. If you don’t know how to stop a puppy from counter surfing, you will also require a dog behaviour expert to teach you how to do it. Hopefully this blog post will help save you a LOT of money.
Prevent your puppy from EVER needing painful surgery to remove packaging or harmful small bones (Photo: terrier mix wearing an Elizabethan collar)
If you prepare your dog’s meals on the counter, never allow them to jump up on you or the counter. Have them wait calmly on their bed, or just outside the kitchen. This will encourage good manners around your countertop from day one.
Remember that everyone in the family needs to follow the same rules and boundaries that you have set for the dog. Being consistent is being fair (and kind) to your puppy.
Struggling with counter surfing? This blog post may help: https://beyonddogtraining.ca/news/food-rewards-counter-surfing-and-your-dogs-weight
If you’re worried about your puppy’s safety and want help now, schedule a behavioural assessment today. Our assessment is called “Your Dog Would Choose This One” because it includes hands-on training that will get you started right away. Schedule your session here: https://beyonddogtraining.ca/take-action
Don’t send mixed messages to your dog. It isn’t fair — even on special occasions. (Photo: small dog sitting at a dining room table being served a birthday treat, complete with a candle)
Do you have a counter surfing story to share? This community is supportive and kind in the comments, so feel free to tell us your stories. We would love to hear from you!
Wishing you a fabulous Friday, Dog Leaders!
Alyssa
Photos by: Paul Trienekens (Siberian Husky eating a candlelight snack of bread and strawberries…on a table,) Daniel Brunsteiner (terrier with his head resting on a table full of food,) free stock photo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel eating a large dinner roll,) Tatiana Rodriguez (terrier mix wearing an Elizabethan collar,) Joshua Chun (small dog sitting at a dining room table being served a birthday treat, complete with a candle.)