How to Stop a Havanese From Counter Surfing
Counter surfing in Havanese dogs is a common challenge that stems from their intelligent, playful nature and strong desire to be close to their owners. Because Havanese are highly food-motivated and deeply attached to their families, they're drawn to counters where food—and your attention—congregate. Their small size gives them a false sense of innocence, which often means owners inadvertently reinforce the behavior through laughter or casual correction. Fortunately, Havanese's excellent trainability (4/5) makes them highly responsive to positive-reinforcement methods. This guide walks you through stopping counter surfing by managing the environment, redirecting their intelligent minds toward appropriate behaviors, and strengthening impulse control—all while honoring their affectionate, people-pleasing temperament.
Step-by-step
- 1
Remove Temptation and Secure the Space
Start by clearing counters entirely of food, crumbs, and enticing items for at least 2–3 weeks. Store food in high cabinets or behind closed doors, and use baby gates or closed doors to limit kitchen access during meal prep—a critical time when Havanese tend to surf. This interrupts the reinforcement cycle without requiring corrections.
- 2
Establish a Counter-Free Zone
Create a designated mat or bed in the kitchen (or visible from it) where your Havanese should settle during your meal times and cooking. Use positive markers like 'Yes!' and reward heavily when they choose that spot over exploring counters. Because Havanese crave proximity, positioning their mat near you (but away from counters) satisfies their attachment needs while setting them up for success.
- 3
Teach and Reinforce 'Off' as a Redirect
Once your dog gravitates toward a counter, use a cheerful redirect rather than punishment—say 'Off!' and immediately lure them to their mat with a high-value treat. Reward the moment they move away from the counter and settle on the mat. Havanese respond beautifully to this approach because it preserves the bond while teaching them what you want.
- 4
Channel Their Intelligence and Energy
Havanese are intelligent and need mental stimulation beyond their 30-minute daily exercise requirement. Dedicate 10–15 minutes daily to puzzle toys, scent games, or training sessions that work their brain. A mentally engaged Havanese is less likely to engage in counter surfing out of boredom or attention-seeking.
- 5
Manage Separation Anxiety Triggers
Since Havanese are prone to separation anxiety and counter surfing can intensify when they sense you're cooking (and may leave), practice departing after cooking without making a fuss. Give your dog attention when you're calm and present, not during active food prep. This reduces their anxiety-driven surfing behavior and their over-attachment during vulnerable moments.
- 6
Consistency Across All Family Members
Ensure everyone in the household uses the same verbal cue ('Off!' or 'Mat!'), rewards the same behavior, and never leaves food accessible. Havanese are quick learners but only if all interactions are consistent. Even one family member slipping them a counter snack or laughing at the behavior will set progress back significantly.
Pro tips
- Use high-value treats (small pieces of chicken or cheese work perfectly for Havanese) exclusively for mat-settling during meal times—this fast-tracks their understanding that staying off counters = better rewards than surfing.
- Because Havanese are prone to over-attachment and separation anxiety, practice leaving the kitchen briefly while they're on their mat, then return and reward. This teaches them that you're not abandoning them when you step away, reducing counter-surfing anxiety.
- Schedule training sessions just before mealtimes when your Havanese is already thinking about food. Their intelligence means they'll quickly connect the dots: good impulse control during prep = treats and praise.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Havanese counter surf more when I'm home? Isn't that strange?+
Not at all. Havanese are extremely people-oriented and notice every detail of your routine. When you're home and preparing food, they're naturally drawn to be near you and the action. Counter surfing is often an attachment-seeking behavior rather than sneaky food theft. Managing this with their mat routine and proximity-based rewards addresses the root cause.
My Havanese is small—should I use a different approach than with larger dogs?+
Not significantly, but capitalize on their size advantage. Because they're small, remove temptations completely rather than relying on them to self-resist. Their lightweight frame also means a sturdy baby gate is extremely effective. Otherwise, the positive-reinforcement principles remain identical—Havanese trainability doesn't change with size.
How long until my Havanese stops counter surfing?+
With consistent positive reinforcement and environmental management, most Havanese show significant improvement within 3–4 weeks. However, because they're intelligent and motivated by food and attention, occasional backsliding can happen if the environment becomes tempting again. Maintenance is key—never leave food accessible once they've learned.
Should I punish my Havanese if I catch them on the counter?+
No. Punishment damages your bond with this affectionate breed and often increases anxiety and counter surfing. Instead, redirect with 'Off!' and reward the mat. Havanese respond far better to clear, positive guidance that preserves trust. They're so people-pleasing that they want to do the right thing—show them what that is.