How to Curb Counter Surfing

[Sasha1/2]

Do you have ideas on how to train a young dog not to help themselves to family food? We cannot leave any food on the kitchen counter, table, etc. Sasha will jump up and eat it. She'll even take food out of someone's hand or off their plate if they don't shoo her away.

Sasha is our pet. She acts as if she is hungry all the time. I could never free-feed her. She would engorge herself to death. She's dewormed frequently. She eats high-end kibble for breakfast and raw meat and bones for supper. She is in excellent health, slim but not underweight.

[kimierose]

I wish I had the answer I am battling this problem myself with Bella Its a constant thing I just make sure there is nothing on the counter or table she wants or can get to it helps but she still looks

[nick's spirit]

First thing is to train Sasha manners, and you may have to put her on a leash or behind a gate.
Start with her on a leash, put something very tempting in front of her, walk closer, as she goes to eat it...pull her back...."leave it"
continue practicing until she gets it..it'll take awhile...also if she somehow does get the tasty treat...your response is "Opps let's try again" no frustration, no "bad girl"...no emotion from you to make her anxious.
When you are inside the house eating, she must lay down or sit somewhere that is a safe distance, most important...NO Food From the Table!!!! and everyone must comply. If she gets up to come to beg...back to her spot. You might have to use a gate or a leash, but she will eventually learn that no food is ever given at the table.
I've not had a counter surfer, so I can't reply to that.
keep us informed on what works for you & Sasha

[Tsunibear]

For me telling Missy to "leave it" has been the best thing ever. As for the counter surfing I was told to put a cookie sheet on the counter sticking off slightly filled with water and something really tempting behind it so that when the dog goes to get the treat they knock the cookie sheet off the counter and they get wet plus the cookie sheet makes a loud noise going down. You may have to repeat it a couple of times to get them to fully understand that they shouldn't be doing it but, I have heard it works.