How to stop a dog counter-surfing

By Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant.

Counter-surfing is a common problem among dog owners, where dogs jump onto countertops and steal food or other items. This behavior can be dangerous for the dog and is also unpleasant for the owner. This article will discuss why dogs engage in counter-surfing and provide step-by-step instructions for teaching dogs to stay off the countertops: positive reinforcement, negative punishment, and differential reinforcement.

Why do dogs engage in counter-surfing?

There are several reasons why dogs engage in counter-surfing.

Natural Instinct.

Dogs have the instinct to forage for food and are programmed to seek out sources of food. Countertops often contain food, which makes them an attractive target for dogs.

Lack of Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Dogs that don’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation may resort to destructive behaviors such as counter-surfing.

Boredom.

Dogs left alone for long periods without any stimulation may become bored and engage in counter-surfing to pass the time.

Reinforcement.

If a dog has been rewarded in the past for jumping onto the countertops, it may continue to do so, even if the rewards are no longer present.

Teaching a dog to stay off countertops using positive reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement is a training method that involves rewarding the dog for good behavior. Here are the steps to teach a dog to stay off countertops using positive reinforcement:

Start by keeping all food and items out of reach. This will prevent the dog from being able to access the countertops.
Teach the dog a “stay” command. This will be used to keep the dog off the countertops.
When the dog is near the countertops, give the “stay” command and immediately reward the dog with a treat or praise when it stays off the countertops. Repeat this process several times.
Gradually increase the distance between the dog and the countertops and repeat the process.
Once the dog can stay off the countertops even when items are on them, start gradually increasing the amount of time the dog has to stay off the countertops.
Continue reinforcing the behavior by rewarding the dog whenever it stays off the countertops.

Teaching a dog to stay off countertops using negative punishment

Negative punishment is a training method that involves removing a desirable consequence when the dog engages in undesired behavior. Here are the steps to teach a dog to stay off countertops using negative punishment:

Start by keeping all food and items out of reach. This will prevent the dog from being able to access the countertops.
Teach the dog a “stay” command. This will be used to keep the dog off the countertops.
When the dog jumps onto the countertops, immediately remove the dog and say “no.” Repeat this process several times.
Gradually increase the time the dog stays off the countertops before being removed.
Once the dog can stay off the countertops for a certain amount of time, start gradually reducing the amount of time the dog has to stay off the countertops.
Continue to reinforce the behavior by removing the dog whenever it jumps onto the countertops.

Teaching a dog to stay off countertops using differential reinforcement.

Differential reinforcement is a training method that involves reinforcing a behavior that is incompatible with the undesired behavior. Here are the steps to teach a dog to stay off countertops using differential reinforcement:

Start by teaching the dog a “down” command. This will be used to reinforce a behavior that is incompatible with jumping onto the countertops.
When the dog is near the countertops, give the “down” command and immediately reward the dog with a treat or praise when it lies down. Repeat this process several times.
Gradually increase the distance between the dog and the countertops and repeat the process.
Once the dog can lie down, even when items are on the countertops, start gradually increasing the amount of time the dog has to stay down.
Continue reinforcing the behavior by rewarding the dog whenever it lies down instead of jumping onto the countertops.

Using any of these methods, it is essential to be patient and consistent when teaching a dog to stay off countertops. The process may take several weeks or months, but you can successfully train your dog to stay off the countertops with patience and persistence.

It is also essential to address the root cause of counter-surfing to resolve the issue effectively. Often, dogs engage in this behavior because they are hungry or looking for food, so ensuring that the dog has access to enough food and treats throughout the day can help prevent counter-surfing. Additionally, keeping food and treats out of reach and putting items away after use can reduce the temptation for the dog to jump onto the countertops.

Finally, it is also essential to address any underlying behavioral issues that may be contributing to counter-surfing. For example, dogs that are anxious or have separation anxiety may resort to counter-surfing as a way to cope with their stress and anxiety. In these cases, it is important to seek the help of a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist to address the underlying behavior issue and resolve the counter-surfing behavior.

In conclusion, counter-surfing is a common problem among dog owners but can be effectively resolved through training. Effectively addressing counter-surfing behavior in dogs requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root cause of the behavior and uses effective training techniques. By addressing the underlying causes of counter-surfing, providing the dog with plenty of mental and physical stimulation, and using positive reinforcement, negative punishment, or differential reinforcement techniques, you can help prevent your dog from jumping onto the countertops and prevent it from stealing food or other items.

References:

American Kennel Club. (2021). How to Stop a Dog From Counter-Surfing.
Association of Professional Dog Trainers. (2021). Differential Reinforcement: A Training Tool.
Positively. (2021). Positive Reinforcement Training: An Overview.
Victoria Stilwell Positively. (2021). Negative Punishment in Dog Training: What It Is and How to Use It.