I've had enough. (counter surfing)
-checks the counters for anything he can pull down -checks the dishwasher to see if it's not clicked shut, if not he'll open it and pull the dirty dishes out to lick clean -checks if the garbage is out, if it is then it's a free for all -checks the rest of the house for treats. And today he put me over the edge by checking on the stove to see if anything was left up there. In the process he TURNED THE OVEN ON and filled the house with gas. Dave came home hours later and said the house could have blown up there was so much gas in there. How scary is that? Now I'm adding to my list: child proof oven knobs. But what will he think of next? Do I need to crate him? Confine him? We rent and have an open floor plan and would need to install an extra long gate if we wanted to keep him out of the kitchen. We can't keep him in bedrooms or he'll bark and scratch the doors. I'm afraid if I crate him he'll freak out and bark all day which will be a problem since our neighbors work nights and sleep days. I don't know what to do  |
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| I love this 8-panel doggy playpen. It can be made into different shape and size, folded up and put away easily. Best way to confine my Kahlua in a particular area, or use it as a partition. It also comes with some prongs for you to use it outdoor. I use it in my backyard the first week after we reseed the lawn. http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Black-Exe ... 78&sr=8-12 |
| I confine my two. Leather, buttons, and the trash are just way too tempting for sweet little Lucy. ^^^Good idea and great price! |
Quote: And today he put me over the edge by checking on the stove to see if anything was left up there. In the process he TURNED THE OVEN ON and filled the house with gas. Dave came home hours later and said the house could have blown up there was so much gas in there. How scary is that? Been there but it was the stove and thankfully it did ignite. Panda jumped up by the stove and turned the burner on. We got home and the burner was turned on high and the ignition thing was clicking. ALL knobs were removed from the stove when not in use since that day. Very scary. We keep a couple of the knobs by the stove... she hasn't learned to put them back on.  Dogs like Panda and Rudie are opportunists and extremely diligent about checking to see if we've picked up after ourselves. It does get better if we don't slip up or forget... when we do, they're rewarded yet again for their inappropriate behavior. Scat mats worked here. The pen Gigi shared would be great! Would he bulldoze it over? He's such a sturdy little man... I could see him figuring out how to move the pen while he's in it!  Maybe you could anchor it in place somehow? If you can get him to accept a crate, that would be a good solution. Panda had separation anxiety so it wasn't an option for us. I am so thankful she outgrew that stage because it's very exasperating!! |
| Jake was this way. We never found a solution other than being absolutely positive to prevent him from getting a reward by surfing. It didn't stop the behavior, but we always had hope. |
Rastus is really bad and he has taught Tiggy who never counter surfed to give it a try.  I have one small spot right in the middle of the island bar that they can't reach so occasionally I put (non edible) tempting stuff there but Tiggy and my siamese cat (Rowdy) work together and the cat can get everywhere, even the top shelf of the built in pantry if we don't close the door so it latches. I had to go and buy stronger magnets for the pantry door the year Rowdy came as he could open the pantry door and help himself with the original magnet latches.I put everything that might interest him in sealed containers and that worked until Tiggy came along. Now that rotten cat knocks stuff down of the shelves and Tiggy opens them and they help themselves. We have learnt to be very careful about putting things away and closing doors but every now and then one of us is in a hurry and something gets missed. My cook top has all the knobs along the side instead of the front and to date there have been no accidental gasings.  And I have caught Rastus and Tiggy both up checking out the cook top for snacks. Gone are the days when I could put things up the back of the cook top and they'd still be there when I got home. |
| We have a very open floor plan, too, but James found a relatively inexpensive 108" wide gate just to go across the kitchen area. It works very well. No one is a known counter surfer but I still worry that one of those dummies might get a crazy idea and I'll come home to find the ice maker emptied or all the knives knocked on the floor. Bear recently broke the gate by running through it in one of his OCD straight line runs so we have it all zip tied together. He ran through it like he was breaking a ribbon of a finish line at the end of a race. It's much funnier now than when it actually happened. |
ButtersStotch wrote: We have a very open floor plan, too, but James found a relatively inexpensive 108" wide gate just to go across the kitchen area. It works very well. No one is a known counter surfer but I still worry that one of those dummies might get a crazy idea and I'll come home to find the ice maker emptied or all the knives knocked on the floor. Bear recently broke the gate by running through it in one of his OCD straight line runs so we have it all zip tied together. He ran through it like he was breaking a ribbon of a finish line at the end of a race. It's much funnier now than when it actually happened. That's what I'm afraid of. The stand alone pens/gates would get knocked over the second I walked outside. It seems like anything else would have to be anchored into the walls... which I'm not sure we can do on this rental (plus we're moving soon, hopefully). And I've come home to all the knives on the floor before.... once with a clump of Rudie's fur next to one (kid you not). Those are no longer in reach. I should take a picture of the top of our refrigerator, where we put things once we find out he can reach them, it's ridiculous. |
OMG!!!!!!!  Crate him. Just get a big great dane (48") crate so he has lots of space for nice long naps, put a nice cover on it and turn it into a useful table or something if space is an issue, and crate him for everybody's safety. Mine have largely stopped countersurfing as I've gotten better about there never being any reinforcement, but in his case, if he can turn the gas on  it's just so a huge risk. I suppose if there's a way to truly childproof the stove it might be OK, but how frightening. Kristine |
HeatherRWM wrote: ButtersStotch wrote: We have a very open floor plan, too, but James found a relatively inexpensive 108" wide gate just to go across the kitchen area. It works very well. No one is a known counter surfer but I still worry that one of those dummies might get a crazy idea and I'll come home to find the ice maker emptied or all the knives knocked on the floor. Bear recently broke the gate by running through it in one of his OCD straight line runs so we have it all zip tied together. He ran through it like he was breaking a ribbon of a finish line at the end of a race. It's much funnier now than when it actually happened. That's what I'm afraid of. The stand alone pens/gates would get knocked over the second I walked outside. It seems like anything else would have to be anchored into the walls... which I'm not sure we can do on this rental (plus we're moving soon, hopefully). And I've come home to all the knives on the floor before.... once with a clump of Rudie's fur next to one (kid you not). Those are no longer in reach. I should take a picture of the top of our refrigerator, where we put things once we find out he can reach them, it's ridiculous. Oh no, I didn't mean to give the impression that it didn't work well. Bear is just crazy and the gate wasn't even all the way extended when he did it. He ran through it while we were home and he decided he had to get outside immediately! As far as home alone situations, they've never gotten near it. In areas where the gap was a little wide, we just used chairs to hold it up so we've never anchored anything down either. |
| I too say crate..my husband is very anti crate and when Moe was little we did not crate often..however since he grabs everyting when being fiesty there is NO Way it would be safe for him to be HOME ALONE. Now whwn he sees us getting ready to go out ..he sits by looking for leash..if he is staying home alone we say crate and he walks right in. We have a blanket over it and leave the tv on. ( we bought largest crate so he has room to stand up and turn around at 28" and 90 lbs he isa big boy) |
| Crate him if you can. If not, try partitioning off a few rooms so he has some room to move but is restricted to places he cannot do any harm to himself. It must be the name....Rudies seem to have some inner desire to live on the very edge! |
traciels28 wrote: It must be the name....Rudies seem to have some inner desire to live on the very edge! Rude Dog lives up to his namesake all the time... I blame my husband for naming him that! I purchased an extra wide gate today. We'll install it tomorrow. If he finds a way to knock it down or jump over it, please check the classified sections in the Sunday paper for a free sheepdog. |
 did someone say free sheepdog? why don't i believe you? |
Izzy was a HORRIBLE counter-surfer when we first brought her home.  I tried everything I could think of but she still wanted to play sous chef whenever I was cooking dinner. We have an electric stovetop and I was petrified that she would jump and put a paw on a hot burner so I was basically willing to try anything. Our trainer used a device made from a spring and a cap (like a cap-gun.) You put it underneathe something such as a file folder or a light cutting board and when the dog's paw hits it it "pops" like a pop gun. I don't normally advocate scaring dogs straight, but with for her safety I was willing to try anything. We only had to do it once, she hasn't counter-surfed since.  I don't know the technical name of the device but you can find them online, perhaps someone else has the name?Now if only I could stop her from jumping on my mother-in-law  |
HeatherRWM wrote: traciels28 wrote: It must be the name....Rudies seem to have some inner desire to live on the very edge! Rude Dog lives up to his namesake all the time... I blame my husband for naming him that! I purchased an extra wide gate today. We'll install it tomorrow. If he finds a way to knock it down or jump over it, please check the classified sections in the Sunday paper for a free sheepdog. I always tell Sybil I'm going to sell her to the gypsies. Kristine |
| Has anyone tried the mats that get placed on countertops (or sofas or whatever) that give a little jolt?Has anyone tried the mats that get placed on countertops (or sofas or whatever) that give a little jolt? How did that work? How bad is the shock, do you think it is safe? EDIT: Oh, I see Jaci has, at least if "Scat Mats" are what I was thinking about. Did you try it on yourself? |
| Oh my....I think I would try a crate! You know coming from the girl that can't go to the bathroom without Finn having all 4 on the counter! The gas is too scary! What does Marley do while Rudie is playing? I bet it is all her idea, a set up??????? |
Quote: Oh, I see Jaci has, at least if "Scat Mats" are what I was thinking about. Did you try it on yourself? We try new things ourselves before trying them on our dogs. (Translates to- We've shocked ourselves, tested prong collars on us, eaten dog food, etc. ) We used ScatMats about 4 years ago. Both Jim and I have also accidentally touched them... we didn't want to touch them again because of the surprising "zing". We kept them on the highest level... I think it was a 3?? We don't have any resident kitties so we opted for the highest level. I don't like to use the "shock" type deterrents but in this case the behavior can be a life or death situation. You have to mean business when it comes to dogs pulling kettles of water off the stove (cooled thank goodness) or turning the stove on. Panda knew no limits. One night, Jim and I were sitting at the table eating dinner... UPS came and Jim left the table to sign for the delivery. Panda, who was totally oblivious to my presence, immediately walked up to his plate and started eating his dinner. I just had never experienced a dog like this. Her adoption description did say-"...She also needs someone to teach her that the house and all its contents belong to the uprights, not to Madison..." We ALL learned limits that first year. She definitely would have been crated if it had been an option! We haven't had a problem in years now so we've been able to leave things on the counter again. But she does not have access to the kitchen when we leave... she's in the dining room/living room instead. All garbage is still kept out of reach and all meds or things we know are bad for them are immediately put in the cupboard or out of reach. It's just not worth the worry or the expense for medical care. Hoping the gate will work!  |
| We used a large gate to keep our two confined. Had it anchored to the wall and it worked great. This situation is very frightening. I would crate without a hesitation. I know you said your neighbors work nights and sleep day and he may bark all day. I say crate with a bark collar. His safety is your number one priority, that and the safety your home as well. Good luck. |
6Girls wrote: Panda knew no limits. One night, Jim and I were sitting at the table eating dinner... UPS came and Jim left the table to sign for the delivery. Panda, who was totally oblivious to my presence, immediately walked up to his plate and started eating his dinner. I just had never experienced a dog like this. Her adoption description did say-That describes Rudie to a T! We've had a few incidences where one of us left and he forgot the other was home and instantly went to see what he could pull of the counters. I've also a few times left and waited outside the door and listened, and he immediately goes looking for trouble. Marley is an angel and I honestly don't think she has ever engaged in any of Rudie's antics- I think she hides. The gate will get tested tomorrow! Wish us luck! |
| GOOD LUCK!!!!!!! |
| We never tried ScatMats, but we did use shake cans with our Shepherd/Dobie mix. They worked extremely well. Just put 10-15 pennies in an empty soda can and seal the top (we just used electrical tape). Keep one handy and give it a single, quick shake when you see a behavior issue (the noise startles them and stops them in their tracks). You can also booby-trap surfaces so the can falls when they get a little bump. Even if it falls on them, it's so light they won't be hurt, just surprised. The key is not to let them see you shake the can. Max would come running up to me for reassurance whenever he heard the can shaking, even if I had done it behind my back. It rarely took more than once or twice for him to learn. And somehow he could tell the difference between a shake can in our hands, and a regular soda can. I never could figure that one out! Good luck! |
Mad Dog wrote: OMG!!!!!!! Crate him. .....(snip)....but in his case, if he can turn the gas on it's just so a huge risk. I suppose if there's a way to truly childproof the stove it might be OK, but how frightening. Kristine I'm with Kristine. Why risk it? Do the crate training exercises and make the crate a place of bliss. My crate trained baby loves her crate. Absolutely unacceptable to have them put themselves and your home at risk. My first litmus for training is safety. It is just not safe to have a dog able to turn on the stove. Look at it this way, would you let your dog run in traffic or do some other activity that would put their life in peril? If the answer is no, the crate is your friend. Good luck! |
| After being dumped in a shelter, he has a very understandable aversion to the crate. I like the gate solution better because he won't panic if he doesn't feel confined and he's with his sister. |
| Ah gotcha. I have one of those babies too. The gate works great for him. I tried a closed off room (door closed) and that made him frantic - scratched door jambs, pulled up carpet. But he is fine with the gate. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you both. |
| Baby gate always worked for Dud. I hope you find a happy solution, can't let anything happen to Rude Dude. |
| How'd the gate work for you?? Hope all went well!! |
| ugh, we had to remove all stove/oven knobs from our old house for that exact reason. I hope the gate works! |
Gigi wrote: I love this 8-panel doggy playpen. It can be made into different shape and size, folded up and put away easily. Best way to confine my Kahlua in a particular area, or use it as a partition. It also comes with some prongs for you to use it outdoor. I use it in my backyard the first week after we reseed the lawn. http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Black-Exe ... 78&sr=8-12 that neverrr works for us.. When London was a puppy -he somehow figured how to lean and press his weight against one side --- until the whole fence topples over. Kahlua is such a good girl! |
| Tony is a horrible counter surfer too. We try to keep our loft as clean as we can but i'm an artist and I sometimes have to leave my art supplies on the table (cleaning and putting supplies away disrupts my creativity!!!) and with no doors, Tony always managed to get something - his latest favorite -- expensive tapes. What worked for me is covering the whole table with a drop cloth - he avoids going near it. I know this is probably not a good idea for the oven but maybe for your desk or everything else. Another thing we did tried was using Mammoth's X mat. It worked verrry welll until London parked his butt on it and thought it was a toy. |
| The gate has been working fairly well. It was about an inch too long, so we had to kind of rig it to fit.. but so far he hasn't busted through! The biggest issue is that he is getting some separation anxiety. It's not that bad and he goes to sleep immediately. But I think he's bored... We tried dog walkers but that seemed to make it worse, I don't think a 20 minute walk is enough to make a difference. Plus he's at his craziest in the morning and the dog walker didn't come til midday. We tried dog daycare but it's expensive and Ru was nervous there. I know he'll adjust and it will help with his socialization... so maybe we'll give that another go. It's also a matter of me getting my butt out of bed early enough to get them there! |
Does your dog walker interact ....not just walk .. Moes big issue has always been ME time he calms down and behaves...no chew no escape no crazie if it is REAL ME TIME..basically I am PARIS HILTON PAY ATTENTION>>>>then he calms down....Afterplay..he goes into crate very willingly  |
| what about giving them frozen peanut butter stuffed kongs - that'll wear them out for sure!! |
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