Preventing Counter Surfing

The easiest way to solve counter surfing is to prevent it. It is a good idea to set up new greyhounds, so that their first experience is unpleasant. We all know that they will try it, so we might as well control the situation. You can set up your greyhound up by taking several empty soda cans and placing several rocks or coins in the cans. Place some tape over the opening in the top of the cans and attach string to each can either by tying it to the tab or by taping it. At the other end of the strings, bring them all together and attach them to a tasty treat that cannot be eaten quickly. The treat should be something the dog would struggle with such as string cheese still in the wrapper. The strings should be long enough for the cans to be as far back as possible and for the dog to be on the way down from the counter before the cans begin moving. The beauty of this is that you do not have to be in the room. Your greyhound learns that counter surfing is always bad regardless of where the humans are. Most dogs find the noisy fall of the cans frightening and decide it is not worth pulling items off the counter.

Be sure to set up the kitchen table and different sections of the counters. Dogs are not good at generalizing. They may have to do it 2 or 3 times. While the trap is set make sure all other counters and tables are clear. Feel free to place the food right on the edge of the counter. Make it very easy and hard for a passing canine nose to resist.

For a veteran counter surfer, a set up may not work. They already have been rewarded a number of times and therefore will be more difficult to discourage. You may have to set the trap a number of times before they decide it is not worth it. You may also need to use the cans as an alarm system if your veteran counter surfer is not frightened by the ruckus. When you hear the cans falling, you can fly into the kitchen for a good scolding.

The most effective way to prevent counter surfing is to make sure nothing is ever available. Use your cabinets, dog proof containers, and the top of the refrigerator to store food.