Keeping your dog out of the trash isn’t just about the mess. It can be dangerous, even life-threatening, for a dog to get into the trash. They could eat something that is toxic for them, choke on things, or get their head stuck in bags and suffocate. In this article, we’ll talk about 6 ways to keep your dog out of the trash, why dogs get into the trash, and how to keep your dog out of the kitchen.
WATCH MY VIDEO: 6 tips for keeping your dog out of the trash
6 Ways to Keep Your Dog Out of the Trash
1. Keep the trash can out of reach of the dog. Put it up on the counter, out in the garage, or even just under the kitchen sink with a child-proof lock on the cupboard.
2. Purchase a garbage can with a lock on it. (Click HERE)
3. Put up baby gate to close off the room where the garbage is. (Click HERE).
4. Add weight. If you have a small dog, the solution might be as simple as adding weight to the bottom of the trash can. You can use actual weights, or something like sand, kitty litter, or a brick.
If the dog is too small to reach into the garbage can, and too small to knock or tip the can over, this is an effective tip.
5. Give the dog something else to do. When you’re away, try hiding treats around the house for the dog to find. Or else purchase a Kong Toy – rubber dog toys that have a treat stuffed inside – my doxy chases hers all evening!
6. Don’t set your dog up to fail. Honestly, if you have chicken bones, scraps of meat, or any kind of sniff-able food in the garbage can, the dog is going to be tempted to try to get it. Don’t get mad at your dog if YOU are not smart enough to realize that and get the garbage out of his reach.
Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Into the Trash?
You might be wise to consider why your dog is getting into the trash to begin with. Three common reasons why dogs get into the trash are:
1. Anxiety. Dogs who are anxious will try to find ways to keep busy such as getting into the garbage, closets, cupboards, etc. Their anxiety can also cause them to become destructive. For help with dog anxiety, click here.
2. They smell food. Your dog may see the trash can as a source of food. Make sure your dog is getting enough to eat, and that the food he’s eating is nutritionally complete.
3. Boredom. Sometimes dogs will look for something to do, not because they’re particularly anxious, but because they’re just bored. Make sure your dog has enough toys, one or two interactive toys, and make sure they’re getting enough exercise.
What Happens if Your Dog Gets in the Trash?
Getting into the trash can be dangerous for your dog as it runs the risk of their eating something that is poisonous for them (request a printable list of foods poisonous for dogs below). They can also eat objects that they’ll later have to have surgically removed, or can actually cause their death.
It can be a danger to you and your family as well, because the dog could carry garbage around the house, some of which may be dangerous for small children. These are just a few of the possible outcomes.
By the way, that’s a picture of the damage my little miniature Dachshund, Taz did one day while I was gone!
For more information about how to keep your dog out of the garbage, ready my article, How to Keep Your Dog Out of the Garbage.
How to Keep Your Dog Out of the Kitchen
One of the best ways to keep your dog from getting into the trash is to teach them how to stay out of the kitchen to begin with. Check out this video from Doggy Dan about how easy it is to teach your dog to stay out of the kitchen:
For Help with Dog Training
Doggy Dan is a Professional Dog Trainer and Behavioral Specialist, and the creator of the dog training website, TheOnlineDogTrainer.com. The site has more than 300 videos where you get to see Doggy Dan working with dogs and their owners. It’s been my #1 recommendation for dog training for more than seven years because it is effective and affordable. You can read my full review here.
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If you like this website, please share it with your friends who have a pet. Thank you! Debra
Thank you for writing this article. I don’t own a dog myself, but this article will be extremely helpful to my friend who has a puppy. I like the six ways to keep your dog out of the trash. It is clear now that it isn’t only about the mess but it could also be harmful to your dog.