Help! Jumps up on kitchen counter!!

[witness]

I am really at a loss right now...Spike is 6 months he has been with us now for three and a half weeks. Every time I turn my back he jumps up on the kitchen counter and eats whatever he can get his paws on. I have been trying to train him not to go in the kitchen...he listens for the most part...:confused: What do you do when he doesn't listen? Please any advice will be welcomed!!!

 

[Loke]

First, you need to keep food off the counters. Second, you cannot expect a dog to stay out of the kitchen unless you block it off. I know he can be trained perhaps to stay out, but not this soon. My only suggestion would be to get a baby gate to block it off and keep food out of his reach. I don't have a problem with Loke getting up if there is no food. My guys are free to go whereever they choose to go and places they aren't allowed, like bedrooms are close.

P.S. This was posted under the wrong forum. It should be under one of the behavior forums. Just so you know. I'm sure a mod will move it...

 

[Thomas Liggin]

A two word answer. Baby gates. They are available at Wal-Mart and similar stores. They are adjustable to fit most door widths. At six months, a Boxers inquisitive nature is too strong for most obedience training when left alone for any length of time. Only give him the run of the "problem" areas when he can be monitored and corrected when he does a no no.

It is like a large crate that prevents him from getting into places where you don't want him. It is a nearly impossible task to Boxer proof a house. They are very ingenious and creative at getting to things that interest them.


Regards, Tom Liggin

 

[MarleysMom]

After only having him for 3 1/2 weeks, you cannot expect him to behave perfectly - he's a puppy and will act like one for the next year or so. Since he was living with a different owner up until he was 5 months old, it may take a while to unlearn certain behaviors. His previous owner may not have set down any house rules at all, so he is just used to doing his own thing. Boxers are a very headstrong breed, and you may never be able to train him not to counter-surf (knock on wood). Best solution - don't tempt him with leaving food on the counters!! I'm sure we all agree - if it's within their reach and they get a hold of it - don't blame anybody else but yourself!

 

[clara's parents]

I agree with the others. Just try and keep food off the counters. I do that and she doesn't get up there...now this weekend though, my husband was grilling some turkey legs. There was one still on the plate on the counter when he went outside to put the rest on. Well I went back inside with him and we couldn't find the other turkey leg. Clara nabbed it in about 15 seconds and was hiding it under the coffee table :rolleyes:

Told the hubby he should've put it up or took it outside with him. Men.......they don't listen

 

[Bosco'sMom]

The best advice I have is Get used to it. Boxers are major counter surfers. If I'm cooking I have to block him out with the baby gate or he will be right up under me trying to get the food and don't dare turn your back to him. He's so sneaky.

Just try to keep the food away at other times. You can also try to teach the command "off". Although I taught it and it still doesn't work. He knows what it means and he gets off. I turn around and there he is again with his little paws up there trying to get something.

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Try the search engine here at Boxerworld and use the search terms "counter surfing" and you'll find tons of tips on how to deal with this fairly common issue.

Good luck.

 

[Alisha Mobley]

Counter surfing Buck is 13 months old and started counter surfing a couple of months ago. We don't leave food out so what he's looking for I'll never know?? We're still working on his training and he is getting much better...the best advise I could give is don't turn your back. It's like potty training...you must keep your eye on them at all times when they are out. Otherwise they learn very quickly they can surf when your not looking. We just give a firm "NO!" when he jumps up...he instantly gets down.

Another thing Buck has started doing in the last week or so is jumping on the door when we go out. Drives me insane!!! Sounds as if he's throwing his whole body in the air and slamming against the door!! We're gonna have to try and figure out a way to break this habbit some how...will be much harder since he only does this when we run outside for something and he doesn't get to go! I'm sure this one will take team effort...one to go outside while one peeks around the corner to catch him.

I must say...Buck is the goof ball of the house. Always doing something nutty!!

 

[J-Bird]

I once heard a trainer suggest that the owner line the counter w/ empty coke cans, full of pennies and taped closed. The trick is to let the curious pup counter surf at which time he will knock over the cans, and (assuming you don't have a carpeted kitchen) will cause a very LOUD noise that will scare him from doing it again.

Maybe this works w/ other breeds but NOTHING scares meeko these days - maybe they develop that fear instinct as they get older b/c right now she is as mellow as they come.

Maybe a moderator can weigh in on whether this is/isn't a good idea.

 

[Linda/NJ]

Yes, boxers do counter cruising. I never keep any food within her reach. If something must be up there, it is pretty far back. I always tell my girl, GET DOWN, she usually does. She doesn't do it that often for me to get annoyed. Like Tulsa Dan said, do a search, should be a ton of info to help you out with your problem.
Good luck.

Linda/NJ
Ginger * June 4, 1997
Flashy Fawn * Natural Ears