Counter Surfing - how did you train them not too?

toaksie · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 10:48 am Post subject:

I think once they have done it a few times and succeeded it can be very difficult to train them out of doing it. For our Shakespeare food equals the biggest possible reward so he'll just about do anything to get it, the fact that he's bold as brass and doesn't jump or shy away from anything makes it doubly difficult. We just resort to making sure nothing is left on the counter. What makes me laugh (and it shouldn't i guess) is that if he's investigating whats there and there is nothing of significance, when we give the down command he responds in an instant and then looks for a treat, however if there is anything worthwhile on them he becomes deaf to the world. Labs are so food driven that they are easy to train many books etc, will tell you but they don't mention how difficult it is to train them away from their very favourite reward - food lol Smile

noonie · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 11:02 pm Post subject:

Our trainer told us to set a trap...

Jinx used to like to surf and grab tea towels...

Trap is a baking sheet, piled up precariously with various items.. colander, saucepan lids, anything that will make a noise.

Balance the tray with tempting object hanging over edge... leave room and wait....

Jinx only tripped two of these traps before he gave up.

We can leave food out, and tea towels.

Trainer said it was something to do with the shock not having anything to do with us... the old any attention is great.