If a dog jumps up and counter surfs and grabs food this can be hugely rewarding and they are likely to repeat this behaviour again. Grapes, chocolate and hot cross buns are very toxic to a dog – if they eat these items then they will need to head to the vets to have an injection for them to throw up. Obviously, if you’re not there you can’t manage a dogs behaviour or tell them to leave items so not leaving these items out in the same way you wouldn’t leave out scissors for children is imperative.

How to dogs learn

Dogs learn through association. They don't do things to please us or to upset us or because they want to do it for us.

If a person is gambling and using a slot machine  and they get rewarded with money they are likely to repeat this behaviour even if it does not result in a pay out every time. In a similar way if a dog learns that jumping up results in attention (which may be the motivator for the behaviour) they will repeat it. We can inadvertently reinforce a behaviour by speaking, giving eye contact and touching. If a dog jumps up at the counter and gets chicken then this is a jackpot reward for them! They will definitely repeat it.

What to train

In combination with training, management is really important here.

If a dog has the chance to repeat a behaviour it’s likely to build a habit. Habits can be hard to change (as we all know!) so using management such as baby gates and setting them up for success is a great idea.

Teaching them a behaviour that is incompatible with the behaviour such as going to their bed or having all four paws on the floor is a good idea.

Being proactive and setting them up for success before they offer the behaviour is a really sensible idea. Having chews and kongs ready will help set you both up for success.

You may need to break down each training skill into smaller steps (shaping), so they can reach the goals.

If you’d like to discuss more why not book in a 20 minute consultation with me.