She stole my nachos!

[Anthony8858]

For the most part, I've been able to implement some sort of training or correction for just about whatever i need to do with Kira.
However, the table surfing is a problem I can't correct.

Last night, I made Nacho with chill and cheese for the kids. I turned my back for a split second, and gone was an entire plate of nachos. She didn't get a chance to eat any, but they were all over the floor.

At that point, I watched her, and when she tried it again, I scolded her with a stern "OFF", along with a physical removal off the table. She kept coming back, and didn't want to hear it.

I need a crash course on correcting the table / counter surfer.

Thanks

[PaddyD]

She needs to learn Leave It. During mealtimes it is a good idea to crate them or remove them from temptation.
Another possibility is a Down/Stay in a far corner.

[Anthony8858]

Originally Posted by PaddyD

She needs to learn Leave It. During mealtimes it is a good idea to crate them or remove them from temptation.
Another possibility is a Down/Stay in a far corner.

OK, "leave it" could work. I didn't think of that. She knows "leave it" , but it hasn't been used in that way.

I'll try it.

[BlackPuppy]

It's very hard to train because it's self rewarding.

I have 6 year old that even I haven't been able to keep from stealing food off the kitchen counter.

[Anthony8858]

Originally Posted by BlackPuppy

It's very hard to train because it's self rewarding.

I have 6 year old that even I haven't been able to keep from stealing food off the kitchen counter.

Yes, I can see this being a very challenging project for me. She can go for a shoe, or a pillow, etc, and she would "leave it" on command. However, a fresh cooked meatloaf on the counter is just too tempting.

I know crating her is the simple solution, but I would like to domesticate her as much as possible.

[Jelpy]

Originally Posted by Anthony8858

I would like to domesticate her as much as possible.

I dunno. A pup with a taste of chili cheese nachos sounds pretty domesticated to me!

jelpy

[jocoyn]

LOL I will have to dig up and scan the picture of my old 15 year old with his head stuck in an Umbro trash can lid (remember those dome shaped with a swinging lid)...it is before digital.....

Just correcting them for jumping on the counter. THey learn to be civilized over time but I stil would not trust one with something on the counter and me leaving the room for too long.

[Anthony8858]

My gut tells me NOT to leave the turkey unattended this year

[jocoyn]

Originally Posted by Anthony8858

My gut tells me NOT to leave the turkey unattended this year

Uh no, good idea. Cyra (who is all of 50lbs soaking wet) once ate an entire chicken waiting to go into the oven. She waddled around for the rest of the day and had a pretty good case of the runs afterwards.

[Lilie]

For me and my dogs, "off" is a command to reverse a command that they are allowed to do. So they "load" on the bed, and "off" to get back down again. Therefore, "off" isn't a "You are in big trouble!" command.

"Leave it!" means there is no grey area. There is no indication in that command that my dogs are allowed to make any type of judgement call, like "here" would allow them to decide how close to me they want to come. "Leave it!" means if you don't stop your action this very moment, there will be a reaction from me. No questions asked. I won't say it again.

I would make my entire kitchen table / counter off limits. Even if there isn't any food items on top, the dog isn't allowed to investigate. As soon as that head tilts for a sniff - LEAVE IT! Be sure to reward as soon as they stop the action!

Also, reinforce the leave it command through out the day with tons of praise and rewards.

I admit that I have created scenarios where it would be very tempting for my dog to snatch food. But it was done only because I could reinforce the command. I've even left food in a bowl outside and came inside 'for a moment'. He didn't fall for my trap...but I think it's because he thinks I've got eyes all over!