Surfin Safari

Dear Mr. Pants:

As I have grown in size the past few months, I have noticed that I can now reach the countertops in the kitchen. And last week I found something very yummy up there. Do you think my Mom and Dad left those treats there especially for me? Are these countertops another source of food? And if my parents left them for me - why did they yell at me when they realized I took them?

Hungry and Confused

Counter surfing can get you in trouble!

Dear Hungry:

What you are doing is called “counter surfing”. While it can provide you with some yummy treats, it can also give you a bellyache and a trip to the vet, if you eat the wrong thing. Counter surfing will also get you an earful from your parents. Especially if you happen to take the Thanksgiving turkey. What your dog parents need to understand is that nothing, not even little crumbs, should be left on the counter unattended. Because once we find treats there, we are going to continue to go back and check it out. But if the countertop is always clean, we will just move on. Unless we see treats up there again and the cycle will start all over. And don’t try all these nasty tricks like coins in a can or a mat with an electric shock. Things like that only lead to more and different problems.

Instead reward us for good behavior. Teach us to “Leave It” or “Go To Your Place” and then reward us with a treat. And be sure to do it - it doesn’t have to be every time (although we would like that) just enough to keep us on our toes. Then the reward for good behavior will be easier than standing up straight and sticking out your tongue for as far as it goes.

Stay Hungry My Friend,

Mr. Smart T. Pants