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🐕‍🦺Dog Training Tips of January

The Counter Surfing Problem

Now that the whirlwind of Christmas dinners and New Year’s nibbles has finally calmed down, you might be noticing a few lingering habits… not yours, but your dog’s.

If your four-legged friend spent the festive season helping themselves to turkey leftovers, mince pies, or a bit of cheese from the counter, you’re definitely not alone. Counter surfing — when dogs sneak food from kitchen counters or tables — is one of those cheeky habits that tends to surface when the house is full and food is everywhere.

The good news? Now is the perfect time to work on it, while everything’s calmer and your dog’s routine is returning to normal. With a few weeks of practice, you’ll be well ahead for next year’s celebrations.

Why Dogs Start Counter Surfing

During the holidays, it’s easy to let a few things slide — especially with food constantly being served and family coming and going. To your dog, that’s a treasure hunt waiting to happen.
Even one successful grab teaches them it’s worth trying again, so the key is to make sure those wins stop altogether.

Step 1: Remove the Temptation

Dogs are opportunists. If food is there, they’ll go for it!

• Keep counters clear of leftovers, crumbs, or packaging.
• Wipe surfaces after cooking to remove lingering smells.

Once your dog realises the counter never delivers a reward, the behaviour will fade with time.

Step 2: Manage Their Access

Until your dog fully understands what’s expected, prevent them from practising the behaviour.

• Use baby gates or close kitchen doors when you’re busy.
• Teach a “go to your bed” cue so your dog has a clear job while you’re preparing food.

Reward them for staying on their mat — it turns food prep time into a calm routine rather than a free-for-all.

Step 3: Reward the Right Choices

Instead of telling your dog off for jumping, show them that not jumping pays off.

• Keep treats handy to reward calm, polite behaviour.
• Praise and treat your dog when they keep four paws on the floor or stay in their spot.

Dogs repeat what works, so make sure the calm moments are the ones that bring rewards.

Step 4: Check Their Routine

Counter surfing can sometimes be a sign your dog is bored or hasn’t had enough mental or physical stimulation.
Make sure they’re getting:

• Regular, fulfilling walks
• Enrichment games or puzzle toys
• A predictable feeding schedule

A well-exercised, content dog is much less likely to go looking for excitement in the kitchen.

A Fresh Start for the Year Ahead

If counter surfing became a holiday theme this year, take it as your sign to start fresh. With a bit of practice (and consistency), your dog will learn that kitchen counters are off-limits long before next Christmas dinner hits the table.

If you’d like a bit of extra help, I offer one-to-one dog training sessions that can focus on everyday manners like this — alongside my regular dog walking services to help keep dogs relaxed, stimulated, and happy. Together, we can make sure your dog is ready to shine all year round. 🐾