Hello all!

Nya is 14 weeks old today, and she recently started this week with taking things off the coffee table like coasters, magazines, and books. She didn't use to do this, so I don't know why she suddenly started it. I need some advice on how to curb the behavior. It can get to be pretty bad because I will turn around for one second, and off she makes with our nice leather coasters.

I suppose we can take everything off the table and make it less interesting to her, but she'll still try to jump and get stuff off kitchen counters. She's only an inch shy away from finally reaching the top, and that worries me. I don't want to have to put everything away, but I suppose I will have to. Any ideas?

Oh the joys of puppyhood

First off, keep her tethered to you when you can't be watching her every second. Second, get a can with a lid and fill it with pennies, rocks or other small hard stuff and when you see her start to approach the table or counter, rattle the can really loud. Or, a rolled up newspaper that you slap against your hand (for noise, not to hit the dog!) Or a whistle. combine any of these with a "no-no" or other verbal warning (the voice does not have to yelling, I just use an low level "uh huh huh" now and Ami just turns around from whatever it is he souldn't have.)(

When Ami first came in the house (he was about 18 mos old) he was an unbelievable counter surfer - I rigged up a trap with cookie sheets and empty soda cans - so when he jumped up, everything clattered down. That helped some but what really cinched the deal was an ecollar with the vibration setting - he'd stick his nose up, I would buzz him, he thought the counters were haunted and backed away...but Nya is too young to start ecollar work (6 months generally recomennded.)

Also - the term "baby-proof" came about for a reason. Puppy proofing in the short run while she learns her manners is really valuable.

To add to Amy's excellent advice, I will add that this is an excellent opportunity to start teaching leave it and drop it. With puppies redirection will also work, giving her a chew or a toy to refocus on something else. She is being curious and possibly bored. Puppies are pretty good at telling us humans they want to do something. So her snooping is a way for her to occupy herself. They are so much fun, lol.