Dogs are opportunists. Always.

Dogs are opportunists. Always. That’s why in training, we try to keep things simple.  We set them up for success. 

If a dog is given a choice between a food item and a toy, they will almost always choose the food item. It’s the most obvious choice. 

If you leave food out unsupervised, a dog is going to eat it. It’s the most obvious choice. 

When pet parents ask me how to prevent counter-surfing, I often wonder why they leave things out on the counter if they know their dog is going to steal it. 

Then I realize. They don’t know their dog is going to steal it. They trust their dog not to steal it. 

This is a mistake. Dogs are opportunists always.

If your dog is not given adequate enrichment, they are most assuredly going to steal. Dogs get bored and lonely, and they know stealing stuff will get you to interact with them. They’re not being malicious or spiteful. They want to hang out with you! 

Try this: if you plan to leave food out on the counter, do so ONLY IF:

-Your dog is in the crate 

OR

-Your dog is in a solid Stay. 

Until you know your dog has enough impulse control to resist counter surfing, be sure to offer them a food toy or chew to help ease their frustration when there are tasty food smells wafting through the air.

My personal recommendations? A snuffle mat, heavy duty lickmat or frozen Kong. Set these things out for your dog and give them an obvious good choice to make.

See my post “Kong’s Not All!” for more enrichment ideas. 

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