Stop dogs searching the kitchen for food once and for all
Our lovable dogs are naturally curious animals with a healthy appetite for food. It’s no wonder many dog owners have problems with their furry friend raiding the kitchen for food – a phenomenon that has become so commonplace a new term has been coined. “Counter surfing” is used to describe your dog’s love of jumping onto the kitchen counter to help themselves to your food. It can be a frustrating canine habit but there are a few things you can do to curb this behaviour.
Keep counters clear and food out of reach
Prevention is the best method so clear all bench tops, store food away and lock garbage bins. This will remove any potential rewards that is reinforcing your dog’s habit. Remember, if your dog manages to snag even the smallest bite of something, they are being rewarded for their behaviour and it will motivate him to repeat it.
Only feed your dog from his bowl
If your furry friend has a penchant for eating food that’s not their own then make sure you only feed from a designated bowl. If you throw scraps from your dinner plate or when you’re cooking in the kitchen, your dog will believe it’s acceptable for them to eat your food!
Provide lots of physical and mental stimulation
Some dogs go looking for trouble out of boredom so make sure your canine friend is well exercised and has plenty of toys to occupy them.
Reward good behaviour
Whenever your dog is behaving themselves such as sitting while you’re preparing dinner reward them with a treat. This will continually reinforce that being calm is desirable behaviour.
Never scold your dog for stealing
Unless you catch your dog in the act of eating and stealing your food, don’t punish or scold. Unfortunately you can’t explain to your dog why it’s wrong to steal food from the kitchen, they simple won’t understand! So it’s pointless to scold your dog after the act.
Train your dog to leave it
Don’t expect your dog to know not to eat your food. To them it’s perfectly natural and instinctive to seek out food. Obedience training will help solve most behaviour problems including counter surfing. Try these techniques:
- “All four feet on the ground” - Don’t allow your dog to ever jump, climb or stretch on the kitchen counters or tables. Creating rules around areas where food is present means your dog knows he’s not to venture near them, even when food is present, at all.
- Distract your dog - Ask your dog for alternative behaviour when they are tempted by food. Command them to go to their spot and make sure there are plenty of toys to occupy their mind.
- Train the “leave it” command – Teach your dog to leave the food on the table alone. When they have all four feet on the ground, ask them to sit and reward with a treat. This again reinforces it’s more rewarding for your dog to keep on the floor than jump onto the counters.
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