After thirty plus years and six generations I am announcing that I have created a line of Gordon Setters that are the very best at one of the breed’s favorite sports – Counter Surfing. My dogs are so good at this sport they require no supporting surf boards or other paraphernalia, they win each and every time with pure perseverance and style. Generation after generation my dogs have improved their tactical approach, scent prowess, snatch and gobble style, and always finish each run perfectly with a purely innocent expression that captivates the judge’s heart every time. I’ve employed many counter measures (no pun intended) to try to foil their prowess, training methods that were promised to break the habits of top winning Counter Surfers and I will tell you that despite my perseverance and skill my Gordon Setters have always triumphed in the end, making their best counter run when I least expect it and when I was the most confident that I’d gained the upper hand.
So, I know there are a bunch of you out there who also believe you have great Counter Surfers, and some of you who wish you could convince your Gordon to give this sport up – like permanently. Well, I share your pursuit of a happy ending and as such often find myself trying just one more measure (yes I’ve done the mouse traps, tin cans, blah blah blah…do you remember I said 30 plus years?).
I ran across this training website on You Tube last week and thought I’d share it with you as I kind of liked this guy and his advice is not only humane but also good. His name is Zak George and a link to his website and the YouTube training video follows.
I also want to send a special Thank You out to Susan Roy Nelson for capturing the beautiful photos of Gordon Setters in competition as Counter Surfers. I’ve never been able to take photos of my own dogs in action, my skill as a photographer doesn’t come close to Susan’s! I also am wondering if Jerry’s cooking is better than mine and thus his tasty dishes are more incentive for a stellar performance on the dog’s part?
I’m not sure I still have the energy as a woman of a certain age to teach an old dog new tricks, but I will be waiting to hear from those of you who’ve tried this method with your Gordon. Or, better yet, many of our readers would love to hear from those of you who have your own working method of countering the counter surfer! That’s what the comment section is for people, for you to join in the conversation helping other Gordon Setter owners by sharing.
Sally Gift, Mesa AZ
Gordon Setter Expert 
I’m trying terminate the Gordons from using the ice maker on my new fridge. I now have a small bread tin sitting in the opening (such a wonderful new kitchen look). Yes, I have used the lock system on the ice maker, but that just results in the one operator becoming frustrated and looks like he’ll rip off the pressure tab all together! The only thing I can do is to look at this activity in a positive manner. If I should die and the dogs are left alone at least one of them will be able to provide ice for the rest until help arrives.
They don’t know about toilets yet………..
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OMG Pat this is so funny! I’m waiting for Sara to start helping herself to the ice, she’s thought about it a few times, didn’t know there were others out there like her! Thanks so much for sharing the story.
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Double trouble!!
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
From:”Gordon Setter Expert” Date:Thu, Mar 26, 2015 at 4:07 PM Subject:[New post] Counter-Surfing – Gordons do it best without a board!
Sally Gift posted: “After thirty plus years and six generations I am announcing that I have created a line of Gordon Setters that are the very best at one of the breed’s favorite sports – Counter Surfing. My dogs are so good at this sport they require no supporting surf boar”
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This technique is probably not going to be successful with our Gordons. If we tell them to leave it, we can vacate the room with reasonable confidence they will not imbibe. However, if we do not tell specifically tell them to leave it, the tidbit will be gone in a NY minute!
P&D
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From our Facebook reader – Paul F. Doherty
Chester & Cooper started counter serving very young and received a Master’s degree with high honors!
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That story has me smiling ear to ear Gail!
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From our Facebook reader: Gail Godding
Mine run into the kitchen put front feet on the beginning of the long counter, run fast with their back legs while the front legs are clearing whatever is on the counter. It takes all of about 29 secs to get the job done. I laugh because there is NEVER anything there. That, I learned a long time ago
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From our Facebook reader – Wendy Larcom Abelman
That’s how you id a purebred Gordon! When the owner tells you they counter surf!
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Sally What a riot! Maria Lobanovsky
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One can only grin and bear it Maria! Shows how much I love this breed, willing to put up with all their silly pranks for so very many reasons. They make me smile or laugh every single day!
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