Table surfing right next to me!!

[Jeanine Bandini]

Ok, Wally is doing better overall but just got on the table and took my daughters bowl of cheerios. I was right there and he didn't even seem to hear my no. This is a recurrent theme. I was thinking the kids were getting him excited (and maybe so) but he does it when they are at school too! I had him on leash for a few days and the tug correction didnt help. Whats the next step?

[Carol Brand]

The tug correction didn't help because you did not do it hard enough or because a regular buckle collar doesn't give him enough correction.  Try stepping up to a prong collar.  

You have bigger issues, though.  I dog who will surf right next to you has absolutely NO respect for your status in the home.  Have you tried implementing Nothing in Life is Free?

[Jeanine Bandini]

I agree, the prong collar is coming! I have him sit (and down) for food, to put collar or leash on, to go outside or inside etc. Is there more to that philosophy that I am missing?

[Carol Brand]

Is he allowed on furniture?  I'd stop that.  I'd also work on impulse control like requiring him to lay at your feet for 10-15 minutes at a time (get a special rug for him to lie on).   Have you worked on leave it?  You should be able to put a treat or toy on the floor and walk your dog around it without having him dive for it.  I train this with a correction, but some people train it with a clicker.  Here is a video showing how to train a dog with a clicker not to counter surf.  I'm not sure I totally buy into her method.  Read some of the comments to see how this method does not always work.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZCIeEUm_n8 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm thinking that he is now six or seven months old, right?  I think we mentioned before about this being a perfect time to start some formal obedience training, and you were looking into some training options.  I think if you can move forward with this, it will help in lots of different areas.  I agree with Carol about implementing the "Nothing In Life Is Free" approach.  As for the counter surfing, every time he is successful (like today) it just reinforces the behavior.  He did it...and he got a bowl of cheerios.  What could be better in his eyes than that.  A real basic tip is never to leave food where he can reach it unless you are right there to correct and STOP HIM.   If you are using corrections in your training, then you would correct the minute you see him try to get to the table....way before he can grab the food.  I'm really not sure how effective clicker training will be for an issue like counter surfing and for a dog who is challenging you.  You had mentioned that he listens well to your husband....does he attempt counter surfing when he's around?

[Jeanine Bandini]

No he is not allowed on the furniture (and it doing great with that!) He is 7 months old and I agree we need to take classes again. I will work on leave it with him. He wouldnt think of getting something on the table or counter when Jeff is around. (they are so like toddlers its scary) I took him for a walk tonight (dont always get to do that with 2 young kids) and he is behaving MUCH better. Thanks for the suggestions!