Inquisitive Canine: Counter Surfing Is a Great Sport

Doggie DNA means we have to scavenge, right?

By Joan Mayer | Published on 01.30.2009

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Dear Poncho,

Now that I’m getting to be a taller doggie, I have no problem grazing the kitchen counters. I find all sorts of neat stuff and I sneak it out of the kitchen. Sometimes I can run out my dog door with the loot. I like sponges, pepper jack cheese, anything in plastic bags and cotton socks. I think it’s a great treat and adventure to do this, but my humans yell at me and shut me in the mudroom and if they can get it, they take away my loot. I suppose I should stop myself from this nasty behavior, but I just can’t! Do you have any ideas? — Baraboo

Joan Mayer and her sidekick, Poncho
Joan Mayer and her sidekick, Poncho
DUDE! You are so lucky! I love “counter-surfing”! In the five-plus years I’ve lived with my mom and dad, I’ve only been “surfing” three times ... it took that many episodes for my humans to learn, but they finally did ... bummer for me. Anyway, this is what their plan was. I’d suggest you follow the course of action ... you’ll benefit in the long run, trust me.

Let’s first talk about what we are: we’re dogs, right??? Our doggy DNA says for us to scavenge, hunt, sniff, explore ... and, for goodness sake, you’re part retriever so you’re going to want to put things in your mouth and retrieve things! That’s what you were born to do! Ugh ... I think humans forget about our doggy traits sometimes ... so first remind them of that.

Management: “Lead us not into temptation.” If they don’t want you to get to something, then put it away! After all, if it’s within reach, and appears interesting, you’re going to investigate! Ask them to help prevent impulsive behaviors — don’t leave things out, especially if they’re not going to help teach you or keep an eye on you. And if they do, ask them to take responsibility for it.

As for the chase game — man, I love it! You totally have them trained! You grab something, they chase you ... cool, I’ll have to remember that one. OK, so since you’ve learned they don’t really like that game, you might want to try the one my mom and dad use with me.

They play the “exchange game.” They ask me, “may I have that?” I give it to them, they give me a little treat. It’s a really cool game. And, it just so happens, whatever they “trade” is always better than what I have in my mouth! Score!

As for the “time out” you’re getting in the mud room, well, I know it’s probably not fun ... but sometimes humans forget that our hard wiring is telling us to hunt and guard items. So a punishing “time out” isn’t always effective. If you’ve had a few timeouts already, and it still isn’t working, they should check their timing — they need to remember us dogs need to be rewarded or punished immediately for it to make sense.

Besides the management and exchange game, you can also ask them to provide plenty of “legal” outlets for you to play with and carry around ... and, when you make the better choice, they can reward you with a yummy treat. This way, you’ll want to do that more often.

Finally, have them teach you how to “drop.” You know, they say “drop” and you let go of the item, and they give you a treat ... pretty simple. Hey, you know how to pick things up with your mouth, it’s just the same thing but backward.

Ask The Inquisitive Canine is written by Joan Mayer and her trusty sidekick, Poncho. Joan is a certified pet dog trainer and dog behavior counselor. Her column is known for its simple common-sense approach to dog training and behavior, as well as its entertaining insight into implementing proven techniques that reward both owner and dog. Joan is also the founder of The Inquisitive Canine, where her love-of-dog training approach highlights the importance of understanding canine behavior. If you or your dog have questions about behavior, training or life with each other, e-mail advice@theinquisitivecanine.com.

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» samantha g. on 01.30.09 @ 03:41 PM

Great advice! Sounds easy enough… I like the “lead us not into temptation” part because i ask my friends and family to do the same thing when I’m dieting… So it makes sense to extend the same courtesy to my dog!

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» Des M. Atticus on 01.31.09 @ 05:42 PM

I can not ask dogs because we do not have the same vocalization let alone vocabulary. Even the muscles in my throat compared to that of a dog is different. Dogs bark too much and I shout also too but the problem is in other people’s comprehension.

For example, “counter surfing” suggests being against surfing. Does any one get the fact that their can only be two ideas possible with “counter surfing.”

(1) One is on a board to go against the surf – pretty hard.

(2) Other is on land being against surfers – pretty hard if they get to land.

Being only for dogs, how is it great for me as a person?

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