How to Stop a Newfoundland From Counter Surfing
Counter surfing is a common challenge for giant breeds like Newfoundlands, whose height and reach make kitchen counters an easy target. Fortunately, Newfoundlands' exceptional trainability (4/5) and naturally sweet, patient temperament make them excellent candidates for positive-reinforcement training. Unlike high-energy breeds, your Newfoundland's calm disposition (2/5 energy level) means they're not driven by hyperactivity—counter surfing is usually motivated by food curiosity or opportunistic snacking. This guide focuses on redirecting that natural intelligence and devotion toward respecting boundaries. With consistency and patience, your gentle giant will learn that counters are off-limits while strengthening your bond through reward-based training.
Step-by-step
- 1
Manage the environment and remove temptation
Start by eliminating access to food rewards on counters. Clear all food, dishes, and food-scented items from countertops and use barriers (baby gates) to restrict kitchen access when unsupervised. This prevents reinforcement of the behavior and removes the primary motivation driving your Newfoundland to counter surf.
- 2
Establish a strong 'place' or mat command
Teach your Newfoundland to settle on a designated bed or mat (away from the kitchen) using treats and praise. Practice this during low-stress times for 5-10 minutes daily. Once solid, this gives your dog a positive alternative behavior and a comfortable spot where they're rewarded for staying put rather than seeking counter food.
- 3
Redirect to appropriate toys and chew items
Offer high-value, long-lasting chews (bully sticks, Kong toys stuffed with treats) in their designated place when you're preparing food. This redirects their food-seeking instinct toward approved items and keeps them occupied during peak temptation times (meal prep, cooking).
- 4
Practice impulse control with counterintuitive placement
Place low-value items on a counter within sight but out of reach, then reward your Newfoundland heavily for ignoring them and maintaining their 'place' command. Gradually increase the value and appeal of items as they succeed. This builds impulse control without relying on corrections.
- 5
Reward calm behavior near the kitchen consistently
When your Newfoundland sits calmly nearby while you're cooking or eating, mark the behavior with a 'yes!' and reward with treats or praise. Reinforce this repeatedly so proximity to food becomes associated with calm obedience, not theft. Your Newfoundland's devotion means they'll work hard to please once they understand what earns rewards.
- 6
Manage exercise and provide mental stimulation
While Newfoundlands have low energy (requiring only 45 minutes daily exercise), ensure they meet this requirement. Pair physical exercise with puzzle toys and sniff games to satisfy natural foraging instincts. A well-exercised, mentally stimulated Newfoundland is less likely to seek counter snacks out of boredom.
Pro tips
- Leverage your Newfoundland's natural devotion by making the 'place' command their favorite spot—a cozy bed paired with training treats and praise builds genuine enthusiasm to settle rather than surf for scraps.
- Giant breeds mature slowly, so patience and repetition are essential; your Newfoundland's calm temperament means they're not testing you out of dominance, just learning at their own pace.
- Pair training with their recommended 45 minutes of daily exercise and mental enrichment (puzzle toys, scent work) to naturally reduce food-seeking motivation and keep their intelligent mind engaged.
Frequently asked questions
My Newfoundland is still counter surfing despite my efforts. Should I use a shock collar or spray bottle?+
No. Newfoundlands respond beautifully to positive reinforcement and their sensitive, devoted nature makes harsh corrections counterproductive and damaging to your bond. Instead, double-check that you're rewarding the 'place' command immediately and consistently, and ensure all food is truly out of reach. Consider consulting a certified trainer for a fresh perspective on your setup.
How long will training take?+
With Newfoundlands' high trainability and calm temperament, most owners see significant improvement within 2–4 weeks of consistent practice. However, given their slow maturity, some giant breed individuals may take 8–12 weeks to reliably break the habit. Consistency is more important than speed.
Can I leave my Newfoundland unsupervised in the kitchen before training is complete?+
Not recommended. Until the behavior is reliably broken, manage the environment by closing doors, using gates, or removing your Newfoundland from the kitchen when you cannot supervise. This prevents reinforcement and keeps training progress on track.
What should I do if I catch my Newfoundland in the act of counter surfing?+
Calmly redirect them to their designated place or mat with a calm 'let's go' and reward them for complying. Avoid yelling or chasing, which can seem like a game. Focus on rewarding the redirect rather than punishing the original behavior—this aligns with Newfoundlands' sensitive, people-pleasing nature.