Counter Surfing

Counter Surfing

Why Do Dogs Counter Surf?

Reinforcement History: If a dog finds food or interesting objects on counters even once, they’re likely to keep trying.
Curiosity: Dogs are naturally curious and want to explore their environment.
Hunger or Boredom: Dogs may counter surf if they are hungry or not mentally stimulated enough.

Understanding that counter surfing is a natural behavior (not a sign of disobedience) will help you approach the issue with patience and consistency.

The easiest way to stop counter surfing is to prevent your dog from reaching counters in the first place.

Remove Temptations: Keep food, dishes, and forbidden objects out of reach.
Clean Counters Thoroughly: Even crumbs or food smells can encourage counter surfing.
Use Baby Gates or Crates: Limit your dog’s access to the kitchen or dining area when unsupervised.

Ensure your dog has appropriate ways to satisfy their curiosity and energy.

Mental Stimulation: Provide puzzle toys, chew toys, or treat-dispensing toys.
Physical Exercise: Ensure your dog gets enough exercise to reduce boredom-driven behaviors.
Enrichment Activities: Use scent games or hide-and-seek to engage their natural foraging instincts.

Step 1: Ask your dog to hop onto the couch or another piece of furniture that they are allowed on.
Step 2: Say "Off" in a calm voice, point at the ground, and then drop a treat on the ground.
Step 3: When your dog gets off to follow the treat, mark with a click or "Yes!" and reward with a second treat.
Step 4: Say “Off” and point at the ground, but don’t drop a treat. When they get off, mark with a click or “Yes!” and reward.
Step 5: Use the “Off” cue when they put their feet on the counter (don’t encourage them to get on the counter, wait for them to do it on their own!)

Teach your dog that calm behavior near counters is more rewarding than jumping up.

Step 1: Keep treats on your or stored where you can reach them quickly.
Step 2: Any time your dog is near the counter/table, but keeps all four feet on the ground, mark with a click or “yes” and reward with a treat.
Step 3: Once your dog has started to improve, you can wait for them to sit or lay down by the counter/table before marking and rewarding.

Train your dog to go to a specific spot (like a mat or bed) when you're in the kitchen. See our handout on teaching “place” for more details!

Step 1: Teach "Place" by luring your dog to their spot with a treat and rewarding them.
Step 2: Gradually increase the time they stay on the mat or bed.
Step 3: Use the cue whenever you're preparing food or eating.

Don’t Punish: Yelling or punishing your dog can create fear and confusion without addressing the root cause.
Don’t Leave Food Unattended: Prevention is key. Even one successful counter surfing experience can reinforce the behavior.