DOWN!

[Haley, Yeti, and Phin]

Yeti is now big enough (more tall enough) to start getting up on the counters. He is more curious than anything, however I don't want him to start trying to steal things off of the counters when we aren't looking. I'm using the command down, but it's just not working. What has everyone else used for this problem?

Also I feel like I've heard people say they will put double sided tape down on the counter so that when they put their paws up they kind of stick to the counter. They ultimately won't like that feeling and stop doing it. Has anyone ever tried this method?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I can't be much help with the actual teaching of it, but the command you want is "OFF", not "down". "Down" is the command for them to lie down. It's an important distinction. :)

[Haley, Yeti, and Phin]

Oh thank you so much hahaha this might be one of our problems haha

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If you've worked on "down" and "down-stay", it would definitely be confusing for him. :) And if you haven't, it will make learning the "down-stay" much more difficult, which would not be a good thing, because "down-stay" is a really valuable command throughout their lives. 

[Haley, Yeti, and Phin]

Oh yes! We totally don't want to confuse him. He usually does a sit-stay which turns into a down-stay sometimes. It's very possible I need to get a trainer for him. I thought I could handle it but it turns out there is so so much I don't know.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Totally agree, the best command for this is "off".  IMO - you would be time and dollars ahead, to take a basic 6 or 8 week beginning obedience class with Yeti.  Each week teaches one basic command and all you have to do is work 10 minutes a day with your dog on that command.  The classes teach "you" how to train your dog and it creates a special bond between you and your doodle.  Another option might be to sign in online with DoggieDan - a terrific dog trainer who lives in New Zealand.  You will find his link under the Vendors tab at the top of the main page.  Well behaved doodles are not born, they are created. LOL  Yeti is a very cute doodle!  

[debbie stevenson]

Yes command is Off, and we continue to have an issue . we work on not having anything on counters she can get. Dogs are opportunist, it is whatever gets their attention. if nothing is there they leave it alone. Daisy usually gives up but she will check to see if anything available. my problem is my husband doesn't enforce like I do. I have heard of people putting things that are noisy on counter and when they find it the noise keeps them away. I don't like using scare tactics.

[Adina P]

Even "Off" is just a command for in the moment.  What I mean is it doesn't prevent or deter a dog from counter surfing.  A dog who perfectly obeyed "off" and got off the counter/table/couch/etc isn't necessarily going to stop from going up there just via the "Off" command.