[nagdu] Dog sneaking and getting on Counters

[Becky Frankeberger]

Put a few penny's in pop can. Tape the opening close. Keep the cans within
easy reach in various places. You will only have to do this a very few
times. Your dog will get the message the counters brings a very loud noise.
You hear the nails in the kitchen from the other room fling the can low into
the kitchen. Bang! The dog runs out. Good girl.  This is called remote
correction. The cans are fairly easy to find and hide for later use, if
needed.  By the way you need cooperation from everyone to be successful. I
can't always hear the dogs in the kitchen. My husband insists on just
running in clapping his hands, sy. Thus my dogs counter surf. But I can tell
you this remote can correction works, it does not hurt the dog, and it only
takes a few times for the dog to stop. 

Now my lab just goes upstairs to bed after dinner, but for years we couldn't
eat without kenneling him.

Warmly,
Becky and Jake 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J. via
nagdu
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 3:46 AM
To: debby phillips; NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide
Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Dog sneaking and getting on Counters

Jetta jumped up on the counters 3 or 4 times a few weeks ago.  She hadn't
done this before and I was horrified.  she did get about half a stick of
butter, but nothing else.  I did not want her to learn this was acceptable
behavior.  I cook a lot and always have various kitchen projects going on. 
Keeping the counters completely cleared of all food at all times is not a
practical solution.

I'm strongly in favor of teaching a dog what is expected and letting them
exercise self control.  I want my dogs to be free in the house with light
supervision.  I don't want to be breathing down their neck every second of
every day.  It's not fun for me and I imagine it's not fun for them.  This
approach does mean a lot more work up front though.  Sometimes it's not
worth it, like if I was at someone else's house where I was only visiting 
for a few hours.   In that case I'd just keep the dog on leash.  It's easier

for everyone and better company manners anyway.

So the counters...the first time she did it I was taken by surprise and sort
of stood there in shock.  That wasn't very helpful.  I put her collar with
the bells on her so I could hear if she was about to jump.  I also asked my
husband and son to help me supervise her.  When she looked like she might be
thinking about jumping up, I'd call her to me and praise her and get her
interested in something else.  If her feet left the floor I'd give a firm
"no", call her to me and get her interested in something else.  If her front
feet touched the counter I'd go get her.  she got a firm "no" plus me 
tapping on the counter with another "no" and a time out in her kennel.   I 
don't use the kennel for punishment, but I do think it enhances everyone's
calm and that is a very good thing.

She hasn't gone for food in weeks.  We are now to the point where food can
be out on the counters without worry of any of the dogs messing.  We can
also eat in the living room, sitting on the couch and Jetta isn't a bother.

Jetta  has been here for two months now.  I had to count that on my fingers
three times before I'd believe it!  Truly it feels like much longer.  She
fits so neatly into our routine and everyday life that it feels like she's
been here for a long time.

She no longer eats my plants!  Woot!  I brought in the rest from outside and
she leaves those alone too.  I think it was a puppy curiosity thing.

She sleeps in her kennel at night, but is free in the house all day when
someone is home.  I'm not quite ready to leave her out with no one here. 
Perhaps in a few more months she'll be ready.

She goes to work with me most days.  she went with me to the NFB state
convention a couple of weeks ago.  She did fairly well.  It was a lot for
her and we have things to work on...her nose, her ability to lie quietly for
long stretches and her interest in everything, but those are normal new and
young dog things.  she's showing improvement already.  She'll get it with
time and consistency.

At the hotel there was a fire emergency and we had to leave the building. 
They have the newer fire alarms the ones with the flashing lights and the 
blaring siren that makes your teeth ache.   Jetta worked to the nearest exit

perfectly.  she was the picture of calm, cool and collected.  I could have
cried.  All the people, all the crazy, me not being able to hear to direct
her and she still did what needed done.  Monty would have been a mess.

Her guide work is excellent.  she's not perfect, but for her only being 16
months old, me only working with her for two months and her experience,
she's remarkable.  In another year she will have far surpassed my wildest
expectations.

Julie

be 


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