Our puppy just turned 11 mo. He has been a great little guy, he is sweet and obedient but the problem we are having is the second we turn our back and sometimes even when we are there he will find the smallest thing and destroy it. I am thankful he doesn't destroy our furniture or moldings but its just random stuff. He is counter surfing and yes the first time he did it he was able to pull off a towel, we make sure counters are clear but once in awhile one of the kids will leave a paper towel up there. He will randomly take an ornament off the tree, and it's only when he's in a "mood", he gets in these moods where he will just walk around and sniff like he's looking for trouble and that's when he some times gets into trouble OR the moment we leave to go to bathroom or laundry and this isn't all the time. I know some are going to say put him in his crate but that doesn't work, it still happens. Do they just outgrow?
He will not outgrow the counter surfing if it gets reinforced. You are doing the correct thing by clearing the tops. You can teach him not to go in the kitchen. As for roaming around looking for things to do, that is part and parcel of having a dog. They are inquisitive beings. One prominent behaviourist says they are scavengers. Is he.bored? Do you collect his toys and put out a "new" one each day? Do you give him puzzles to solve? Wrap a treat in a towel. Some of the Nina Ottosson puzzles are good. For a cheap alternative, teach him to find things using his nose. Mental challenges will tire him out and go towards satisfying his basic seeking emotion. If you want to understand better the seeking need then read some Panksepp.
