need ideas for our food thief

[camphappy]

Do any of you have any good ideas on how to train our 10 month old to not steal food off counters, tables, etc. This has been going on way too long now and I know I need to spend some time breaking it.

Shaq will take food off any surface he can reach, even jumping up on the counter or table. He has eaten entire cakes, loaves of bread, batches of cookies, etc. (I had to call the vet on eating large amounts of chocolate!) We try not to leave food out but still forget.

Unfortunately, he is bold enough to steal food right in front of us. It doesn't seem that any amount of punishment is enough to deter the "reward" of possibly getting something good to eat. I've thought about placing food around and sprinkling it with hot sauce and see if he might "teach" himself.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Camphappy

[blackandtan]

Why not "set him up" So you CAN catch him.

Set something out and wait for him to take it and give him a verbal correction. If the verbal correction doesnt work, you may try using a choke collar with a firm "No" as he is doing it. Repeat this until he gets the idea.

[Brooke&Ryan]

We had a counter/table surfing issue with Julius awhile back. We tethered him to our belt-loop and anytime that he was showing interest in the food by sniffing or trying to make himself a bit higher to see what was there we would say, "AHHHHHH!!!" It got his attention & it took awhile but it worked. Also worked on things that were on the coffee table.

I would put the dog into a crate if you can't keep an eye on them at all times or possibly put a baby gate across the entrance to the kitchen (if possible) to eliminate the temptation.

:)
Brooke

[Judi W]

But............ do not expect any amount of training or set-ups to hold over for when the dog is left unattended with unattended food. You will need to practice good housekeeping in that regard. Things should be absolutely safe when you are at home, but to expect them to be safe when you are not is unreasonable for most dogs. They will reward themselves and they are not so stupid as to not learn to recognize the set ups, or whether you are hiding around the corner.

[Carina43]

Dutch is a shameless counter surfer and garbage hound. He won't touch anything if I'm in the room, but the minute I leave....

Honestly, I've found it easiest just to keep things out of his reach. If I'm cooking and there's stuff all over the counters, I call him out of the kitchen if I leave it. Dogs have got centuries of heritage being scavengers, it's pretty hard to train them out of it!

If he does this in front of you, he's not getting stern enough corrections. Seems like some more rigorous obedience training is in order...he's at a challenging age and you don't want to let "little" problems become big ones later. He's disrespecting you and needs a brush up as to who's boss. :)

[camphappy]

Thanks for all your help. I've always known I need to spend more time doing obedience work with Shaq and you have all confirmed that.

It is also good to hear what is realistic to expect from Shaq. Our last dog was taught to only eat what was in her dish or what fell to the ground. We could leave her in the house or car with food and she wouldn't touch it. It sounds like she was unique in this and that Shaq may never be that trustworthy;)

Happy New Year!
camphappy

[Judi W]

It isn't really a matter of trustworthy or not trustworthy but a matter of being reasonable in your expectations. The fact that you got off lucky with one dog does not mean that will ever apply to future dogs. Relax and tidy up your housekeeping and the obedience should not be considered optional anyway and needs to be on-going for several years.

[Bec]

Our dogs were not allowed in the kitchen AT ALL. There was never a reason for them to be in there. They knew it and would lay right on the line of the carpet. Now we have to walk through the kitchen to go upstairs so that doesn't work but we still try to keep the hanging around in the kitchen while I am cooking to a minimum. Have you ever tried the can thing where you stack cans with pennies in them so that if they try to surf the cans crash and make a noise that supposedly they don't like? Don't know if this would work with a Rottie since the two that I have had weren't spooked by loud noises at all. Or if you want to be really mean, some duct tape sticky side up so that if the paws go on the counter they get tape stuck to them, my dogs hate stuff on their paws. Good luck!

[Judi W]

It takes less time and effort to put your groceries away than it does not set up cans, tape, etc. every time.............. and you would have to do it every time. Like I said, the dogs are not stupid.

[Bec]

Very true! It also helps keep your kitchen sparkling! My kitchen has never been cleaner than when I got a little one who thinks with her tummy. :p

[cheryl]

Originally Posted by Judi W

It isn't really a matter of trustworthy or not trustworthy but a matter of being reasonable in your expectations. The fact that you got off lucky with one dog does not mean that will ever apply to future dogs. Relax and tidy up your housekeeping and the obedience should not be considered optional anyway and needs to be on-going for several years.

HaHa! It is not my house keeping that needs improvement! I live with a 10 and 18 year old human child(ren.) Perhaps this is why I woke up today with WIENERS in my bed!!! (NO BUNS,THO:(!P.S. It WAS the dog!!!

[Bec]

GROSS! It's ok I have a 30 year old husband so it's like having two kids! ;)