How to Train Dogs to Not Jump on the Counter

Many dogs are notoriously stubborn when it comes to surfing the kitchen counter for a morsel of food. Owners often face several problems when trying to teach a dog to stay off the kitchen counters. The dog will ignore the owner or the dog will simply sneak up onto the counters when the owner is not looking. Many dogs even wait until their owner has left the house before they bravely jump onto the counter. Dogs are naturally drawn to kitchen counters out of curiosity and their love of food.

Things You'll Need

  • Soda cans
  • Pet gates

Instructions

    • 1

      Install pet gates so the dog has no access to the kitchen. One of the best ways to teach a dog to stay off kitchen counters is to never allow the dog into the kitchen.

    • 2

      Store all food out of the dogs reach. Do not leave food on the kitchen counter to tempt the dog. Kitchen counters should be clean with no open food counters, plates of food or other loose food lying around. The dog will be far less tempted to dare jumping onto the counter if there is nothing to be gained in such an action.

    • 3

      React promptly when you see your dog on the kitchen counter. Loudly clap your hands and say in a firm and powerful voice, "Off."

    • 4

      Grab the dog's collar and forcefully pull the dog back off the counter. Tell the dog to get off the counter by saying, "Off."

    • 5

      Line up empty soda cans onto the counter. Form a pyramid or simply line them up along the edge so when the dog's nose or paw touches the counter-top, the cans they will tumble to the floor and scare the dog.