jumping up on tables and counters

    • Silver

    jumping up on tables and counters

    Hi everyone! My 4 1/2 month old Airedale has really started to jump up on tables and counters, not only searching for food but also just things to chew on.  I've never fed him people food, or from the table so I'm not sure what to do about it.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks again.
     
    Chris
    • Gold Top Dog
    The two things I would recommend to do are -
     
    1. Keep all tables and counters clear all the time (except when you're eating or otherwise using them of course). Dogs will only do things that are rewarding in some way. If he eventually gets the picture that there is nothing interesting on the tables and counters, the behavior won't be as compelling anymore.
     
    2. Train an "off" command. I love clicker training because it's so fast and effective, but you can do it without a clicker as well. When he jumps up on the table, tell him "off" while gently nudging him off the surface. Make sure you do this in a totally boring way - no eye contact, very little interaction, just a soft nudge with your hip or elbow, and no chatting (if he jumps on you thinking it's a game, just ignore him). The moment all four paws hit the floor praise him enthusiastically and give him a treat, in the form of food or a toy or a quick game, whatever he likes.
    • Gold Top Dog
    I would set a mouse trap.  Put it underneath a newspaper or something similar so the dog doesn't get hurt.  When he jumps up on the table and touches the paper, the trap will spring, scaring the snot out of him (hopefully) and convincing him that counter surfing is not a good idea.