Why Buddy...

Why?

Does your heart sink when you enter the kitchen to find your dog has helped themselves to food left on the counter? Counter surfing can be frustrating & even dangerous, as your dog could ingest harmful foods or items. Why do they do this?:

  • Food scavenging instincts

  • Reinforcement from finding food in the past

  • Excitement

  • Exploratory / Curiosity

  • Attention-Seeking

  • Mimicking behavior observed in household

  • Hungry

  • Lack of training or boundaries

  • Boredom

  • Looking for resources

  • Breed-specific tendencies

  • Stress/Anxiety

NOTE: Dog behavior is complex; your dog may be behaving this way for one or several of these reasons (or reasons not listed).

Tools that may help:

Metal Baby Gate

  • Blocks off designated area

  • Gate for doorways

  • Varying heights available

Retractable Baby Gate

See on Amazon$49.99

  • Blocks off designated area

  • 33" tall

  • Varying widths available

Pupsicles

  • Enrichment activity

  • Satisfies natural instincts

  • Keeps dog busy

Counter Surfing Myth Busters

Let's dive into the facts about counter surfing! Knowing the truth helps us set realistic goals and use the right strategies to tackle this behavior.

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MYTH #1:

Counter surfing is only a problem when food is left unattended.

While food is a common target, dogs may also surf for non-food items like paper towels, sponges, or even medications left within reach. This behavior poses a risk of ingestion of harmful items & choking hazards. Counter surfing can also lead to unwanted behaviors like jumping on counters when you're preparing food or other contexts.

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MYTH #2:

Putting food out of reach is enough to prevent counter surfing.

While this may help prevent immediate access to food, it is often not enough to completely prevent counter surfing behavior. Dogs may still be motivated to explore counters for other reasons, such as seeking attention, investigating interesting smells, or out of habit.

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MYTH #3:

Dogs counter surf because they're not getting enough food.

While it's important to ensure that your dog is receiving an appropriate and balanced diet, counter surfing is more likely to be related to other factors, such as the environment, training, and reinforcement history. Some dogs may counter surf simply because they find the behavior rewarding or because they have learned that they can sometimes find food on the counter.

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MYTH #4:

Small dogs are less likely to counter surf than larger breeds

The likelihood of counter surfing is not determined by the size of the dog. While larger dogs may have easier access to countertops, small dogs are also capable of and can be motivated to counter surf. Small dogs are often just as curious, motivated by food, and capable of jumping onto surfaces as larger breeds. It's important to address counter surfing behavior in all dogs, regardless of their size.

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MYTH #5:

Using a shock collar will effectively stop counter surfing.

Using punishment and aversive methods like shock collars to address counter surfing are incredibly harmful to your dog. These methods create negative associations, leading to fear, anxiety, and stress. Dogs may not understand why they are being punished, leading to confusion and increased anxiety. This can, in turn, lead to behaviors like resource guarding, where dogs become more protective of resources they perceive as valuable.

Is your pup stealing food & other items?

Let's talk!

When is it time to work with us?

Food/items are frequently stolen

You are unable to leave food out

Want to proactively address behavior

Safety risks and welfare concerns

Previous training unsuccessful

Struggles with potty training

Behavior is escalating

Seeking expert and personalized guidance

Need help implementing prevention

Feeling frustrated and stressed

How positive reinforcement can help with counter surfing:

Teaches alternate behaviors

Encourages self-control & impulse control

Uses enrichment to satisfy natural instinct

Implements management & prevention

Enhances communication between dog & guardians

Sets predictable & consistent boundaries

Contact Us:

💬 TEXT: (408) 882-1976

In-Person Service Counties:

Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda

We are located in:

Gilroy, CA

DISCLAIMER: Although behavior may be modified, the dog is never “cured”. A dog’s behavior is ultimately the responsibility of the owner. As a result of the changeability inherent in all behavior, I cannot offer a guarantee of an animal's future behavior.

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