Counter surfing, like trash raiding, is tough to stop once it starts because of the random reinforcement received by the surfer. Hey, some dogs just enjoy looking, and don't even need to get anything to have a good time browsing. The ones that are successful, even rarely, tend to be pretty devoted to the pastime if some serious intervention doesn't happen quickly.

Keep It Clear!

Your lunch, a tray of chocolate chip cookies, or your Thanksgiving turkey; even your sunglasses or important papers. Anything left unattended is a potential target of consumption or destruction for the determined counter or table surfer. The easiest way to curb counter surfing is obvious — don't leave attractive stuff up there unattended. Of course, you also have the option of not allowing your dog to have freedom in the rooms where he's likely to make poor choices.

You can also try making the surface unattractive for him to put his paws on. Try putting some of the clear vinyl carpet protector that is sold by the foot on a roll in home-improvement stores. Get the type that has the longer nubs on the bottom (intended so the vinyl will grip the carpet). Tape it to the countertop upside down, so the points are up. Scat Mats and sticky-side-up shelf paper or tape are other unattractive surfaces to try.

Booby Traps

In addition to booby traps similar to those described earlier in this chapter, you can also try putting shallow trays (lipped cookie sheets work great; get a bunch at the dollar store) of water on the counters. Let them hang over the edge as much as possible, so they come down easily when your dog puts a paw on them, water and all. Snappy Trainers are a safe mousetrap-type device that startles some dogs enough to deter them from counter surfing (and trash raiding).

A typical booby trap set up for a trashcan