How to Keep Dogs Off Counters

Keeping dogs off counters is not only an effort to dissuade bad behavior but to safeguard your pet's health. There can be items kept on the counter that are outright dangerous for the animal whether it is medication, cleaning chemicals, you name it. Correcting this bad behavior by the dog could ultimately save your pet's life.

One of the favorite rooms of the house is the kitchen and dogs just love the food preparation area. The easy fix is to deny the dog access to the kitchen by installing a gate or barrier. While this may initially work, the solution is flawed since you would be subjecting your family to a daily ritual of opening and closing a gate just for the sake of keeping Fido out. Besides, the kitchen seems to be the location where the dog food and water is located in most households.

There are five ways in which the frustrated pet owner can mitigate counter surfing by the dog. All of these ideas are considered safe, humane ways of dealing with the problem. If these methods do not work, your next best bet might be to revisit obedience class or ask a canine expert for help.

Keep Dogs off Counters - Mouse Traps

There is a long standing tradition of placing small spring activated mouse traps on counter tops to dissuade the curious canine from counter surfing. This method is okay as long as the activated traps are facing down! I have seen this advice spewed from too many people that seem to leave out the important detail of keep traps face down. The last thing you want is dog with a paw or lip stuck in a trap. The sprung traps will make quite the racket and make your dog hesitant to go on the counter after a few surprise traps are set off.

Keep Dogs off Counters with annoying odors

One of the odors a dog cannot stand is ammonia. Apply a small amount of ammonia or vinegar to old rags and place them at the edges of the counters prior to leaving the area for a few hours. Consider baiting the counter with a piece of bread or snack towards the back of the counter. See if the dog takes the bait. He or she may go after the snack initially but do not count on this behavior to be repetitive. The downside to this method is the kitchen takes on a slight funk that even the homeowner will grow tired of.

Keep dogs off counters by Cleanliness

Part of the problem of counter surfing is the fact that the dog will be tempted by the fine offerings sitting on the counter. The counters will be tempting even if there is no food on the counter. Dogs still enjoy stealing napkins, paper towels, paper, and just about any object stuck on the counter. Eliminate clutter and give the counters a good wipe down with a strong smelling cleanser and that should dissuade your furry friend from surfing the counter.

Keep Dogs off Counters by Containment

If you dog seem to be a counter surfer when you are not paying attention to him or her, it may be best to stick with the crate confinement. Crating a dog is not mean and gives the dog a sense of security. If the pet cannot be trusted while away from the home or is prone to misbehave when given independence, place the dog in the crate until you can provide your undivided attention.

Pet owners that are away during the work or school week and are plagued by counter surfing canines during these hours may want to consider a doggie daycare center. While these arrangements cost a considerable amount of money, they are a good way for your pet to burn off some energy and receive much needed attention. Just make sure you get some references on locating a good daycare facility for your dog.

Keep Dogs off counters with Noise

The snap sound and crack movement of the mouse traps may not be enough to startle your dog when attempting to peruse the counter. There are louder and easier traps to set. Try placing several old cookie sheets and pie tins on the edges of the counters while providing bait towards the back of the counter. The dog will be in for a keen surprise when trying to retrieve the snack. It will be hard not to laugh when the racket spooks the dog beyond belief.