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    • Gold Top Dog

    questions

    Hi evryone, I have been on and off of this site for a while just for fun, but now I have a question or two.  First, my Berner puppy(8months) is a big time counter surffer, I have learned not to leave any thing on the counter but I do have 4 small kids and at some point in my day something is left on the counter, and she always gets it.
    My second question is how do I train her to not leave our yard?  We have a large fenced back yard she can run and play in but soemtimes we need or want to be in the front yard and we like her to be with us, but don't like to tie her up.  How can I train her to not run away?
    Thanks
    • Gold Top Dog
    Have you taken classes with her yet?  These issues are usually covered.

    You can "booby trap" the counter, with upside down mousetraps, scat mats, or some other means that the dog will not connect with YOU.
    That way, she figures the counter is a dangerous place, and won't go there even when you are not home or watching.
    To make a booby trap, you can fill a bunch of aluminum cans with some pennies and tape the tops.  Put them in a cardboard tray and attach a string.  Set the thing in a cupboard, leave the room taking the string with you.  (leave some harmless food on the counter)  When the dog takes the first steps (if she gets the food, it's too late) toward the counter, yank the string.  (Don't make eye contact, make sure the dog doesn't see you do it, and don't speak to the dog afterward).
    • Gold Top Dog
    We have taken puppy classes and she is a very well behaved dog with these few exceptions.  I have tried to "booby trap the counter and she didn't seem to care as long as she gets a treat she is happy.