How to Train Your Dog to Not Eat from the Counter

Have you ever found yourself turning away from the food you are preparing on the counter for a couple of minutes only to turn back around and find it missing?  That amazing sandwich you have been drooling over is the same one your pup has been waiting for, but it was for you, not him. Of course, he didn't know it… well, that sheepish look on his face says otherwise. "Counter surfing" is considered any time your dog steals food from the kitchen counters, the dining room table, or any other raised surface.

Dealing with this type of behavior on a regular basis can be very frustrating for you and depending on what your furry friend is scarfing down, could be bad for him as well.  The good news is that there are various ways you can teach your dog to put an end to his "surfing" days. You can, of course, teach this skill to most dogs at any age, but it is going to take a little time and effort on your part as well as his.

In reality, once your pup has learned his surfing days are over and that he needs to stop sneaking snacks, you should no longer need any type of command. The bad news is that this is not a behavior you will be able to train him out of in a hurry. It can take weeks or even months before he gets the idea. More importantly, since scavenging for food is in your dog's DNA, you may never completely break him of this habit.

However, you must be prepared to do your part to discourage this behavior as well. This means keeping counters and tables clear of food when you are not there to keep a very close eye on your dog while he is learning to behave. By doing this, you are ensuring your dog never gets a "reward" for his efforts. If the counters or tables have nothing to offer, this will soon discourage him.

As mentioned above, the first step in training your dog not to eat from the counter is to make sure that unless you are there to supervise, there is nothing for him to eat on the counters. The absence of tasty tidbits takes away his reason to jump up and seek them out. Be patient, have a great attitude, and as with all forms of training, always start out with the least possible number of distractions. Beyond this, here are three training methods you can use to train your pup to mind his own business.