Kitchen Counter Behavior

Question
QUESTION: Nicole,

I have a 11 month boxer male who has discovered that there is fruit or food (bread, coffee, etc) on my kitchen counters. From the very beginning, I would not allow Dodger to place his paws on the counter with a stern "off" which is the same command I use to get him off the couch, bed, etc. He knows now not to get on the counter when I am home, but as soon as I leave, he's there, pulling down whatever he can reach and destroying said item.

What can I do to get Dodger to mind the 'rules' of the house when I am not home. I guess this applies to the couches as well, because he is quick to jump on the couch and take a nap while I am gone.

Victor

ANSWER: Victor,

Hi...the short answer is 'nothing'.

The long answer...

Remember how sensitive dogs' noses are.  There is nothing that you're going to do, if you continue to leave food out and give him access to the kitchen, that is going to over-ride his urge to get at the food.

I would suggest that you either make sure there is nothing tempting on the counter or not allow him access when you're away from home.  

As far as the couch goes, I'm afraid it's pretty much the same answer.  There are tools you can purchase called scat mats that give a type of electric shock.  I'm not big on them.  I've also heard of people buying the plastic carpet runners and leaving them nubby side up on couches and chairs.

As you've seen, you can only control behavior while you're home.  You may want to invest in some baby gates or a crate to keep him and your property safe while you're gone.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Nicole,

Thank you for your quick reply and advice. Since the first few incidents, I no longer leave food on the counter, not even a fruit bowl. Although there is no food on the counter, he continues to pull down anything on the counter, newspapers, magazines, books, telephone, etc... and destroys them. I provide him with more than enough toys, rotating them often to keep them "new" but he seems fixated on anything that is on the counter. Is this a behavior that can be corrected?

Thanks,
Victor

Answer
Hi,

No problem.  :)

He sounds bored.  Make sure that he's getting a good 1/2 hour walk before you leave, that will tire him out a bit and then a good walk when you get home.  Even though he has toys, it's still possible he's bored.  Boxers, and many  other breeds, thrive on human interaction/closeness.
He's not doing it to tick you off, he's doing it because he's either stressed or bored and he's entertaining himself.

There are a couple things you can try if you're opposed to a crate (which I would still highly suggest) and can't limit his access to the room.

Take as many empty soda cans as you can.  Put about a dozen pennies in each and tape over the hole.  Line the edge of the counter.  When he jumps on the counter, he'll knock them over and they'll startle him.  There is a danger to this as he may chew the cans, cutting himself and/or swallowing aluminum or even the pennies.

You can try the carpet runners upside down on the counter.

There are vibration sensing alarms as well.  I've never tried one so I can't tell you if they work or not.

If you research this at all, counter surfing, you may find some advice regarding mouse traps.  ALWAYS a bad idea!!

The problem and difficulty with breaking the habit is that his surfing has been rewarded with the 'prize'.  He's never had a bad instance when he's jumped up, he's always been rewarded with whatever...food, paper, etc.  It's one of the most difficult habits to break, unfortunately.  Unless you plan on completely clearing your counters, you're going to have to decide what course of action you want to take.

a. crate
b. baby-gates
c. scat-mat
d. x-mat (carpet runner)
e. alarm

Here are some product links for you:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3307+18170+9409&pcatid=

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3307+18170+3452&pcatid=

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3307+18170+1096&pcatid=

http://www.jbpet.com/Ssscat-Deterrent,115.html

Good luck!!  :)