Bandit's Buddies: Counter Surfing 101

Teach your dog what you want him to do. Put a treat on the counter and work at teaching an uncued "leave it" which is proofed for duration, different items and whether you are present or not. It takes practice, so be patient and in the meantime, keep your counters clear of temptation/teasers!

1. Place a small piece of food (teaser/temptation) on the counter with your hand covering it. Mark "yes" and pay with a different treat) for ignoring the teaser and sitting politely. Ignore any attempts to get the teaser. Do not verbally cue "leave it", just be patient ! Practice this until your dog is leaving the teaser/temptation immediately after you put it on the counter and cover it with your hand.

2. Place the "teaser" on the counter uncovered - but be ready to cover it if your dog should

decide to grab it. (mark and pay always with a different treat than the one on the counter) for calm behavior and ignoring the food on the counter. Practice this until your dog is great at it.

3. Methodically add distance between yourself and the teaser/temptation on the counter.

4. Methodically increase the amount of time your dog must wait before you mark and pay him for leaving the teaser/temptation. Stay close while you practice this.

5. Do short trials with you near by practicing with different teaser food items on the counter and in different areas of the counter.

6. Try adding a couple of these factors together (i.e distance and duration).

7. Make sure you practice for turning your back and if you want to you can work on having him/her leave the food while you go out of sight. Begin by making it very quick and returning to jackpot him (give extra treats).

If s/he should get the food at some point, it's no big deal, but do your best to go at the right pace so that s/he is successful. It really doesn't take very long, especially for a dog who has already learned "leave it".

Don't forget to reward your dog once you are using this behavior in "real life" or s/he will soon realize that it is more beneficial to steal then wait for his special treat and praise.