How to Stop a St. Bernard From Counter Surfing
Counter surfing—when your St. Bernard stretches those giant paws up to kitchen surfaces—isn't malicious behavior; it's curiosity and opportunity combined. At their full size, St. Bernards can easily reach counters that might deter smaller dogs, making this a particularly common challenge for this gentle giant. Because St. Bernards have a moderate trainability level (3/5) and naturally patient temperament, they respond exceptionally well to consistent, positive-reinforcement training rather than punishment. Unlike high-energy breeds, your St. Bernard doesn't need to "burn energy" through jumping—the issue is more about impulse control and management. With their slow maturity, expect this training to take several months. The good news: their watchful nature means they'll remember what earns praise, and their friendly disposition makes them eager to please once they understand the rules.
Step-by-step
- 1
Create an Impossible Scenario
Remove the temptation completely by clearing counters and storing food in sealed cupboards for the first 2–3 weeks. St. Bernards can't resist a roasted chicken sitting at nose level, so set your dog up for success by making counter surfing literally unrewarding. This removes the reinforcement that makes the behavior sticky.
- 2
Teach 'Off' and 'Leave It' on a Short Leash
Start indoors with an empty counter or table set at your dog's level. Clip a 4–6 foot leash to your St. Bernard's collar and stand nearby. Place a low-value item (an empty bowl) on the counter, then gently guide your dog away the instant they show interest, saying 'Off.' Reward heavily with treats and praise the moment all four paws are on the floor. Practice 3–5 times per day for 5 minutes each.
- 3
Reward 'Four on the Floor' During Kitchen Time
When you're cooking or eating, your St. Bernard's attention peaks. Keep them on a long leash in the kitchen and actively praise them every 10–15 seconds they keep their nose pointed away from the counters. Use high-value treats (cheese, chicken) to reinforce good choices. This positive association teaches them that ignoring counters equals rewards.
- 4
Practice Duration and Distance Gradually
Start with short leashed sessions (5 minutes) and very low temptations (empty bowls), then gradually increase duration and introduce food-scented (but sealed) containers. Move from being right beside your dog to standing further away, so they learn to maintain 'off' behavior even without your close supervision. Slow-growing St. Bernards benefit from incremental, patient increases in difficulty.
- 5
Install Environmental Barriers if Needed
Consider a sturdy baby gate to restrict kitchen access when you're not training, or teach a 'place' command (sending your dog to a mat or bed during meal prep). Physical management paired with training prevents backsliding while your St. Bernard's slower maturity catches up. Some owners use motion-activated pet deterrents as a reminder, though these work best alongside training.
- 6
Maintain the Habit with Ongoing Rewards
Once counter surfing stops, continue praising and rewarding your St. Bernard for ignoring food in the kitchen—at least 2–3 times per week indefinitely. St. Bernards are creatures of habit, so consistent, low-key recognition that 'no counter climbing' is still the right choice keeps the behavior from resurfacing as your dog matures.
Pro tips
- Because St. Bernards have low-to-moderate energy (2/5), they're content sitting quietly on a mat while you cook—teach 'place' early and reward heavily for staying put, turning the kitchen a no-interest zone.
- Use the same verbal marker ('Off') every single time to stop counter interest, since St. Bernards eventually learn to anticipate the word and stop mid-surf. Consistency is key with their slower maturity.
- Pair this training with the 45 minutes of daily exercise they need—a tired St. Bernard is less likely to explore counters out of boredom, though counter surfing in this breed is more about opportunity and impulse control than excess energy.
Frequently asked questions
How long will this training take?+
With consistent daily practice, most St. Bernards show significant improvement in 6–10 weeks. However, full reliability may take 4–6 months because of their naturally slow maturity. Stay patient—you're retraining an instinct, not just teaching a quick command.
Should I punish or scold my St. Bernard when I catch them counter surfing?+
No. St. Bernards are sensitive, gentle dogs that respond poorly to punishment and may become anxious or avoid you. Positive reinforcement (rewarding 'off' behavior) teaches faster and maintains your bond. If you catch them mid-surf, calmly redirect them off and reward when they comply.
My St. Bernard is still jumping at counters despite training. What am I missing?+
Check that you're removing temptation (food visibility) and rewarding the correct behavior actively enough. St. Bernards with moderate trainability need frequent, high-value rewards during the early stages. Also ensure all family members are consistent—if one person leaves food out, your dog's confusion undermines everyone's training.
Can I use a shock collar or spray bottle?+
These aversive methods aren't recommended for St. Bernards. Their gentle, patient nature makes positive-reinforcement training highly effective, and punishment-based methods risk creating anxiety or fear. Stick with rewards, environmental management, and consistency for the best long-term results.