Stopping work top surfing

I had this problem with barney ages ago - he was a terror for jumping on worktops when I wasn't there - once when I came in really quietly and the radio was on I caught him lying on the worktop so he could look out of the window!

I tried various tricks to get him to stop none worked but using Trust techinique I managed to stop it.

Evidence that someone is walking around my worktop again is clear but I don't know whether Barney has reverted or Rusty started but I just can't seem to catch them at it. They don't show any interest when I'm around. I'm fed up with having to clean all the time and there are safety issues. I've tried waiting outside the door but they know I can't peek in the window due to the height from the ground, even rigged up a web cam one morning and they slept the whole time!

Now very exasperated. Suggestions anyone? Other than crating every time I leave the room?

 

Re: Stopping work top surfing

Having slept on it - I think I answered my own question when I typed this post. I need to Trust Technique them both. I think I was not wanting to consider it as it's quite time consuming but there are no quick fixes with dogs really.

Although training them (inadvertantly) to sit by the cupboard where the honey lives for their morning cough mix took about 2 days ;D

 

Re: Stopping work top surfing

Hi Carole
Counter surfing is always a tricky one. My dogs are all kennelled so it isnt an issue for me. I guess a webcam can help you time an aversive, but without one, it is very difficult to do that.

I have heard of someone having succes with a piece of bacon draped over the edge of a worksurface and stacked up with a tall pile of wobbly empty tins and cartons which make a clattery noise when they fall down once the bacon is tugged. But I reckon my dogs would be quite happy to be showered with empty cans if it meant getting a piece of bacon!

Good luck,
Pippa

 

Re: Stopping work top surfing

thanks Pippa, I did try various aversives with Barney but he was smart enough to spot when they weren't there and believe me we had some quite cunning tricks. I did something similar to the bacon trick with ham and it remained untouched! Today at my Mum's I caught Rusty with 2 paws on her work top to lick a roasting dish, luckily there was a pan lid handy so I bashed it and growled at him. So at least I can conclude it's either him or both so I guess I'll start TT with Rusty and see what happens.

 

Re: Stopping work top surfing

I asked Tony Brazier who is Rusty's gun dog trainer if he had any ideas and he's given me one to try I'd not heard before so I thought I'd post it here in case anyone else might find it useful. I'll report back on how it goes.

He suggested clearing the worktop completely (I've done this already - needs must) then covering the surface with a very thin piece of material (not a towel) thin enough to be slippy and not noticable. Then when he jumps up he'll slip and hopefully scare himself. Meantime I should be waiting outside quietly (even if it means reading a book for half hour waiting) then as soon as I hear the clatter rush in grab him by the scruff growl at him then walk away in disgust. This might have to be repeated a few times.

Fingers crossed!