As the subject line states, I have a problem with the dogs getting up on the kitchen cabinet, dining table, etc. They've even begun to visit the top of the cook stove. I am not amused by these acrobatic feats, but have not been able to break them of the habit. I have spanked them with newspapers and even my hand, but no luck. These are small dogs and I really don't want to cause them actual physical harm but friends, this ain't gonna work. I really do have to be able to leave the room and not have some dog up there eating the loaf of bread while I'm gone. They aren't hungry as they have food out most of the time. Any suggestions other than bear traps? LOL

-- Green (ratdogs10@yahoo.com), April 22, 2001

Answers

Supposed to work, but I've never tried it: Put beans or something in a metal can and shake it loudly every time they do the unapproved behavior. They don't like the noise, and are *supposed* to get the idea quickly. Good luck.

-- mary, texas (marylgarcia@aol.com), April 22, 2001.

REALLY BIG sheets of flypaper.

-- greg (gsmith@tricountyi.net), April 22, 2001.

I would try Mary's suggestion. Greg's would be too messy for me.lol. If that doesn't work, maybe you can find a cap gun? Do they still make those? If not, I know they still make those popper things that you throw on the ground and they go WHAM. Scares me, and I am not afraid of vaccuum cleaners.

-- Doreen (bisquit@here.com), April 22, 2001.

Thanks ya'll. Another problem is they get up on the kitchen cabinet at night and knock things off or out and break them. Last night they broke a piece of Corning Ware. My oldest son was still up and he thought he knew who did it, but wasn't sure. That makes it hard to punish the perpetrator. Maybe the really big piece of fly paper.....

-- Green (ratdogs10@yahoo.com), April 23, 2001.

I have a couple BIG dogs that stand up and try to get whatever is left out... The best I can tell you is to a) be VERY consistant, b) find a way to lock them out of the kitchen when you are in bed or not at home (they will get up there, and then all the newspapers in the world won't remind them why they are in trouble) and c) never leave anything they might even remotely think is interesting up there.

No matter what I do... swats on the nose or behind, pepper juice, even PineSol... they still nose around. So, everything is put away all the time... Its a real pain.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help -

-- Sue Diederich (willow666@rocketmail.com), April 23, 2001.

Even if you knew which dog was the perpetrator, it really does no good to punish the dog unless you can catch them and punish immediately. If you do it later on, they really have no idea what they are being punished for and are just confused. I would consider training them to sleep in some type of kennel and closing it for the night.

-- mary, texas (marylgarcia@aol.com), April 24, 2001.