we have also used an audible noise. a whistle worked wonders here. andrea -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Nancy Melone Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2003 2:04 PM To: Janice Parky; Berner List Subject: RE: Counter surfing
Try an old fashioned water pistol (not the newer high powered ones). We used a spray bottle at first and found, as you did, that it was useless (plus I wasn't fast enough to time it correctly). We tried the water pistol along with a deep vocalized sound that I use for "stop doing what you are doing." I could aim it better, so my timing improved and it was considerably more effective -- go figure. In the end though, I have found that all of us had to change our ways -- including keeping mindful of where we put food!! Nancy Melone -----Original Message----- From: Janice Parky [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2003 7:58 PM To: Berner List Subject: Counter surfing Does anyone have any creative ways to discourage counter surfing? At 4 months, Wrigley has discovered the abundance of treats above his head. Training my family not to leave food out is impossible, although I am determined to try. I suddenly value the single life.....A firm (as in loud, screaming) "NO" when caught in the act does not faze him. This morning, after our walk, I wiped his muddy paw prints off the counter. He may think he is clever, but he left a trail of evidence behind. He was attempting to reach some defrosting chicken left there by my husband who has already witnessed his chicken thievery, but apparently thought he'd ignore it this time???? At lunch time, I listened to my 17 year old say, "Mom, Wrigley is eating a plastic bag." As he stood there and watched. I grabbed it out of his mouth. The sandwich roll was gone. I rescued the wrapper. Just before dinner, I managed to salvage the wedge of Brie he had scarfed up. I unwrapped it so no one would see the teeth marks in the wrapper. It was enjoyed by all, except Wrigley and Halley. I use postive training methods, but goD forgive me, when he went for my glass of Chardonnay tonight, I resorted to spraying him in the face with a spray bottle full of water. He loved it! Any advice would be appreciated. His breeder warned me, and if she is laughing at me....... Sigh, Janice Parky, Halley and Wrigley Cape Cod, MA
