How to Keep Your Pet from Counter-Jumping and Surfing

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How to Keep Your Pet from Counter-Jumping and Surfing

Sadie, our counter-surfing springer spaniel

My husband set the freshly-baked loaf of wheat bread on the counter. He turned back to the stove to stir the makings of our dinner. She took advantage of the moment and snatched the hunk of food, trotting toward the living room to feast. I captured our springer spaniel and ripped the bread from her mouth. Still, half the loaf remained between her teeth, and within seconds, disappeared.

Sadie had done the same with a chicken breast a month before and in between, we’ve had to whisk her out of the kitchen as my husband or I created sandwiches, eggs, hamburger, and other food items for ourselves. Yes, our dog is a counter-surfer … although we have been trying to break her of that bad habit.

Many cats like to be up high, and tables and counters provide that height they seek. Provide better options for them, like cat trees and window sills.

Cats that jump on tables or counters. Dogs whose muzzles creep up to the dining table. Or, dogs, like ours, which lie in wait to snatch food from the counter or table. We’ve seen them, heard of them, maybe they are even our pets. How do we break our dogs and cats of these irritating (sometimes deadly) habits?

Coin Shaker

Dog trainer, author, and host of television’s “Lucky Dog” program, Brandon McMillan, uses a shaker bottle. Place pennies or other coins into a plastic water or soda bottle. Whenever your dog begins to counter surf (or your cat climbs onto the counter or table), shake the bottle; the noise should startle the animal and it may move away quickly. You can also use the command “OFF!” while shaking the bottle. You can also set up a baby camera in the kitchen so when you’re in a different room and you see on the ‘nanny cam’ that your pet being naughty, you can catch your dog or cat in the act and again, use the shaker and the word “OFF!”

Baby Gate

My husband and I use a baby gate to keep our surfer dog out of the kitchen. We sometimes forget to put it up (or get too lazy). We’re starting to learn our lesson, especially after the bread loaf theft!

Pet Kennel/Special Room

We’ve also employed using a dog kennel and having her be inside it while we eat. Not only does Sadie surf the counters, but she also sets her muzzle on the dining table. So, securing her in the kennel with a chew stick also works (her chew sticks don’t last very long, though, so the kennel keeps her confined so we can eat our meal slowly – unlike our inhaler of food!). Whether you use a separate room or a pet kennel/crate, keeping your pet away from your dinner allows you and your family to eat in peace.

Employ obedience commands, safe areas like rugs, crates, or other rooms for your counter-surfing furry friends.

Other Products You Can Use

Some people use items like aluminum foil or double-sided sticky tape on their counters. The foil employs a sound that animals don’t like as well as the slick surface. The texture of sticky tape is something else they don’t enjoy feeling. Scat mats are another product people use; these emit vibrations when a dog or cat touches the surface.

Keeping our dogs and cats off counters and tables is not only a matter of being less annoyed, but also can be lifesaving. Chicken bones, chocolate, garlic, and other human foods can be deadly for our pets. Therefore, employ ways to keep your animal off your tables and counters.