10/20/2026
Counter-surfing is one of the most common problems we see with owners, and it makes sense. Dogs are opportunistic. If food is accessible and the behavior pays off, they’re likely to try it again.
The first step is management.
A huge part of success comes from managing access to the kitchen when you can’t actively supervise. Keep food out of reach, clear the counters, and don’t give your dog opportunities to rehearse the behavior when you’re not around.
But management is only part of the equation. We also need to build boundaries and impulse control around food.
I like to work on this with a place command, using the counter and high-value food as distractions. I reinforce the dog for staying on place, respecting that boundary, and remaining there as I gradually increase duration and distance.
Because let’s be honest, we can’t have eyes in the back of our heads.
This is also where, for dogs who have been properly conditioned to it, an e-collar can be a useful reinforcement tool at a distance. It allows me to communicate with the dog when I’m not right beside them, provided the dog fully understands the behavior and the tool has been introduced appropriately.
The goal is to build such a clear understanding of the boundary that the dog learns what to do even when food is tempting and I’m not standing right there.
And please, take counter-surfing seriously. We’ve seen situations where dogs get into dangerous positions.
