Counter surfer.

[DinkyDewi]

Ok, so our rescue has many issues but this is his worst...

He's super quick and will steal ANYTHING. Infact i've had to pull a used condom out of his mouth which was left by the side of the road *cringe*. I'm aware he's a spaniel and they love their food

Does anyone have any ideas to help us? We've tried a few things but to no avail. He's doesn't react to loud noises, shouting etc. He's had a hard start and we feel he see's any attention as good attention.

[lindseyp]

I have a young rescue working lad, who's a pretty good counter surfer too 
Luckily he loves his ball & when he's picked up something unwanted on walks, I only have to say 'what's this ?' (in a silly voice  )& he either drops the item or brings it to me, then drops it when he sees his ball.
 At home we practice swapping for something he can have but being young, this is still a great game to play it seems 

[minimoo]

Ella came from a good home to me,  but she is still the worst theif ever, she was two when i had her and is nearly 6 now but will still empty the bin all over the kitchen floor, eat poop when shes out on a walk, eat dead seal , move a chair and climb ON the kitchen work tops if she gets the chance to do any of these things she will she steals off campers and picnicers in the summer and gets me into trouble all of the time  , so no advice but i hope you feel better knowing you are not alone with a thief for a dog 

[DinkyDewi]

He's getting there out walking, although if he's off the lead that poo is just too exciting. They're kept wormed etc so i'm not too worried although I do try to avoid it.

As for stealing food in his foster home he was walking down the street with his foster career and managed to steal a sausage off a ladies plate while casually walking past a cafe... he's past master

We remove him from the kitchen when we're eating or preparing food but there's the odd occasion he will catch us out.

At least i'm not the only one!

[Clare B]

OMG Flo will steal anything from my 7yr old daughter, any thing she has is fair game for Flo because as a pup my daughter gave her half of any snack she had (behind my back) so now Flo will try and snatch anything from my daughter hands.....or from any other small person for that matter.

[Mudmagnets]

At least i'm not the only one!

He He   think of most things a cocker should not be doing and there is a fair chance most COLers have experienced it at some time....or know another who has  

[DinkyDewi]

I've certainly seen it all since he's been here!

My collie wouldn't dare steal anything and the slightest 'look' or raised voice and he's by my side giving me his sorry eyes, Dewi on the other hand just wags his tail at me! He's got to be the happiest, least unphased dog i've ever spent any period of time with!

[Joules]

Another shameless thief here 

Coco is 7 this year and will still go to any lengths to steal food - picnics, barbecues, small children, people feeding the ducks, market stalls, peoples' shopping bags.............the list is endless.  She has no shame at all and has embarrassed me countless times    She has absolutely no excuse either as she has never been deprived of anything - she is just a norty and greedy little so and so

[seaangler]

We use the imaginary line...Like i have said in a nother post....took just under a week with two of my dogs peggy pick it up very quickly....

Its good to use if you also have your meals in the kitchen also and if any one is at the door also....And that is the blocking of your body and sending back to the door frame of your kitchen or hallway....

What i call the In imaginary line ware they must not cross it until they are told to do so.....

Start of with the sit and stay and reward .....At the door frame....put some tape along the floor and make your dogs sit and stay(behind the tape) by what i call the imaginary line....if they get up you also get up and block them off and walk them back if your dog back steps you are getting there....The same as if you are standing prepairing food in the kicthen....

This may be different as to other mite do with there dogs... (this works for me)....And is No more different than what Victory Stillwel does....But i put duck tape down on the floor for the line that they must not cross....

Best of luck if you do try this.....