Springer Spaniel Counter Surfing

Our 11 month Springer is a counter surfer. We have tried spray bottle of water, empty soda cans with gravel in them. She will snatch off plates, grab cookies, lick the counters, you name it. Help!

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Springer Spaniel Counter Surfing

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Sep 10, 2012
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Mouse Traps NEW
by: Anonymous

I had the same problem with my Springer puppy. It had become difficult to prepare a meal because he was so bad about it. My trainer suggested mouse traps and it was the best piece of advice I've gotten for the dog. You start by setting up the small wooden mouse traps (not the large rat traps) all along the countertops. When the dog puts his front paws on the countertop they snap. It does not close on their paws and will not hurt them, just jump and make a big noise. It scared my springer half to death! After a while you can decrease the number on the counter and eventually you can just have one that is not set sitting on the counter as a reminder. I don't have to have any on the counter anymore and he is perfect! And, as a warning, my dog was scared to go near the kitchen at first, but he got over it, so don't be too worried if it really freaks your dog out, it's supposed to. It needs to make a lasting impression.

May 08, 2012
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counter surfing NEW
by: Anonymous

I asked the question about counter surfing a few months ago and must share a solution with others who are having this problem. I purchased a device called a Tattle Tale that emits a sound much like a smoke alarm. It activates when a vibration is detected on the counter/cabinent. Of course I set it off several times by accident. This has stopped the counter surfing as long as she can see the devise. I don't turn it on any longer but leave it in sight.

Nov 18, 2011
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Ceyenne Cure NEW
by: Anonymous

We cured our Counter Cruser with a few good doses of ceyenne pepper on a stealable food. We used buttered bread sprinkled with the pepper, we also used it to halt the chewing on the wooden table legs. It didn't take too long to stop that habit. The pepper will hurt enough to cause adversion but shouldn't harm the dog. Make sure there is water available to help cool down a hot mouth.

Nov 17, 2011
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Allow your dog to be good NEW
by: Anonymous

That's my husband's mantra in almost all circumstances when ours have stolen something off the counter. When we got Scamp, now 20 months old, I had to relearn not to leave stuff on the counter where he can reach it and he's a long dog. It's now automatic to make sure nothing is within spaniel reach and I think he has largely stopped looking but we have also trained a good 'leave' and I do tend to say that as I leave the kitchen just in case.

Nov 11, 2011
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advice NEW
by: Paul @ Blacheborne English Springers

You need to go back to basics to a certain extent as this is learned behaviour. It is reward driven as the dog gets a reward with whatever is on the top before you put the counter in.
I would start with the sit..
Put a biscuit/treat down and let the do see but not allowed to get it. Gradually increase the time to maybe upto 20 min.
When dog does this transfer to the work tops and do the same again.
Long process (well a couple of weeks) but your dog should start to sit and look rather than jump up.....hope this makes sense.

Nov 09, 2011
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Counter Surfer
by: Michele

When you figure it out, let me know! My younger Springer is always on the counter. It's been a problem from day one. She will get off when we give her the 'off' command, but 5 minutes later she's up there again. I've had her steal paper plates, sandwiches and napkins. It drives me nuts, while the rest of the family is highly amused by it.

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