Is your German Shepherd swiping food off the counter every chance they get? Counter surfing is a common problem for many dog owners, but it can be stopped with the right training. In this post, we’ll share proven tips to curb this behavior and ensure your Shepherd stays out of trouble in the kitchen.
Understanding Why German Shepherds Counter Surf
German Shepherds are intelligent, athletic, and naturally curious dogs. Their heightened sense of smell makes those tempting aromas from the kitchen counter impossible to resist. As working dogs, they’re also problem solvers by nature – and reaching up to snag a tasty morsel is definitely a problem they’re eager to solve!
Counter surfing can also be reinforced if your dog has ever successfully nabbed food from the counter. Even if it only happened once, that victory was enough to teach them that counters can be a source of delicious rewards.
Additionally, some German Shepherds may counter surf out of boredom or to seek attention. These smart pups need mental stimulation, and sometimes creating a little kitchen chaos is their way of entertaining themselves.
Prevention is Key: Management Techniques
The first step in stopping counter surfing is making sure there’s nothing rewarding to find up there. Keep your counters clear of food, dirty dishes, or anything that might smell enticing to your German Shepherd. Remember, their nose is thousands of times more sensitive than yours!
Use baby gates or close doors to restrict access to the kitchen when you can’t supervise. This is especially important when you’re cooking or after preparing food, as these are prime times for counter surfing attempts.
Consider using deterrent devices like aluminum foil or cookie sheets balanced on the edge of the counter. When your dog jumps up, these will make an unpleasant noise and discourage future attempts. Just be sure to supervise these methods to ensure your dog doesn’t get scared or hurt.
Training Alternative Behaviors
Teaching your German Shepherd what to do instead of counter surfing is crucial. One effective method is to train a solid “place” or “go to mat” command, where your dog learns to lie on a designated bed or mat in the kitchen.
Reward your dog heavily for choosing to stay on their place while you prepare food. Start with short durations and gradually increase the time they need to stay. This teaches them that good things happen when they’re not trying to surf the counters.
You can also teach a “leave it” command, which tells your dog to ignore something tempting. Practice with treats on the floor first, then gradually work up to leaving items on lower surfaces, and finally, the counter.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A tired German Shepherd is less likely to get into mischief. Ensure your dog gets plenty of physical exercise through walks, runs, or play sessions. Remember, a German Shepherd needs both physical and mental exercise to be truly satisfied.
Provide puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games to keep your dog’s mind occupied. A bored German Shepherd is more likely to seek out trouble, like exploring what’s on your counters.
Consider feeding meals in puzzle feeders or through training sessions rather than in a bowl. This gives your dog a proper outlet for their food drive and teaches them that food comes from appropriate sources, not counters.
Consistency Among Family Members
Make sure everyone in the household follows the same rules. If one person allows or inadvertently rewards counter surfing, it will undermine the training efforts of others.
Establish clear guidelines for all family members, including children, about not leaving food unattended on counters and how to respond if the dog attempts to counter surf.
Remember to praise and reward your German Shepherd when they make good choices, like keeping all four paws on the floor in the kitchen. Positive reinforcement will help establish new, better habits.
Dealing with Setbacks
Don’t get discouraged if your German Shepherd has an occasional slip-up. Learning new habits takes time, and setbacks are a normal part of the training process.
If your dog does manage to grab something from the counter, avoid punishing them after the fact. Dogs don’t connect punishment with past actions, so focus instead on preventing future incidents and reinforcing good behaviors.
Keep track of what triggers counter surfing attempts. Is it certain foods? Particular times of day? Understanding these patterns can help you be more proactive in your training approach.
Take Home Message
Stopping your German Shepherd from counter surfing requires patience, consistency, and a multi-faceted approach. By combining management techniques, training alternative behaviors, providing adequate exercise and mental stimulation, and ensuring all family members are on the same page, you can help your four-legged friend develop better kitchen manners. Remember, every dog learns at their own pace, so stay positive and consistent. With time and effort, your counters can become a no-fly zone for your German Shepherd, and you can enjoy preparing meals without playing defense against a furry food thief!
