[nagdu] Dog sneaking and getting on Counters

[Julie J.]

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

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