Stop That Thief!

What to Do About Counter Surfing

You are sitting in your living room taking a break after making a fabulous dinner. Suddenly, you hear a crash coming from the kitchen. You head towards where you heard the sound and discover Fido licking up the remnants of what was going to be your savory meal.

Sound familiar? Maybe this has happened to you (for me it was hot dogs) or maybe it was a napkin on the counter. Whatever the severity of the situation, counter surfing can be a huge problem if it happens at the wrong time, or even worse, with something that can harm your dog.

Why Do Dogs Counter Surf?

Counter surfing is a common canine behavior, and while it can be frustrating, understanding why dogs do it can help you manage and prevent it.

Instinct and Opportunity
At their core, dogs are opportunistic scavengers. In the wild, survival depends on grabbing food whenever and wherever possible. Your dog may not be fending for itself in the wilderness, but that ingrained instinct can remain. If a delicious smell wafts through the kitchen, your pup sees an opportunity and may try to seize it—literally.

Reinforcement and Reward
Dogs repeat behaviors that are rewarded. If your dog successfully snags a piece of steak or a crust of bread from the counter once, they learn that counter surfing pays off. Even if they don’t get lucky every time, the occasional reward keeps them trying—just like a gambler pulling a slot machine lever, hoping for the next win.

Boredom and Curiosity
A bored dog is an inventive dog. If your pup isn’t getting enough mental or physical stimulation, they may start exploring the kitchen in search of entertainment. The countertop, filled with interesting scents and potential treats, becomes an irresistible playground.

Prevention and Training
So how do you stop counter surfing?

The easiest, most successful way to stop counter surfing is to prevent it from happening to begin with. Remove the temptation by keeping food out of reach and wipe down counters to eliminate enticing smells. If it is necessary to keep food on the counter (letting it cool down, part of a dinner spread, etc.), then it is best to keep your dog out of the kitchen until the food can be removed.

Training your dog to stay out of the kitchen by giving them a specific place to go (such as a dog bed) or by using a crate or baby gate to contain your pup to another room. Using a command can also be effective – a phrase like “leave it” will help with your training rather than “no” as it your gives your dog a specific action to perform.

Final Thoughts
Counter surfing isn’t about defiance; it’s about instinct, habit, and opportunity. By understanding the reasons behind the behavior, you can take proactive steps to prevent it and set your pup up for success.