Does anyone know of a way to keep a dog out of the trash?

Question

My puppy is about 6 months old and still will not stay out of the trash it seems like we've tried everything, if she doesn't stop we may have to get rid of her... Please HELP!

We have tried all these things, but she still persists, if we put the trash can out of her reach she just finds something else to terrorize, this behavior doesn't bother me as much as my boyfriend, who is the one threatening to give her away.

Answer 1

Putting the trash can out of reach doesn't really teach the dog not to do it, it just can't because it isn't there. lol There are sprays that you can spray into the trash that dogs don't like the smell of. I haven't heard anyone use vinegar but it's worth a shot and would be cheaper than what I do with my dog. With my dog I buy a specific spray for dogs (it can be used to keep them out of things, off of couches, from going to the bathroom in places) and it works. I just spray it in the trash and she leaves it alone. I have heard of people that this method did not work with because their dog didn't mind the smell, or it just didn't have an effect on them..but it works for me! Another suggestion would be to make sure she has plenty of chew toys that she *likes* to chew on. You may have to shop around a little to find one that she will actually choose over stuff that she isn't supposed to chew on..but when you find one it will be very helpful!

Answer 2

Does your dog go after the trash while you're home, or only while you're out?

If she's doing it while you're home, this is a great place to use the "Leave it" command, or a brief puppy timeout (5 minutes or so). Have you taken her to a puppy obedience class yet; she's the perfect age.

If she is going after the trash while you're out, some of the issue may be separation anxiety. She is certainly young enough to be easily crate trained. Our oldest was a year old & had been on his own in the woods for months, & we able to train him to his crate in a matter of days.

Bitter apple spray, available at just about any pet store, works very well for almost any dog to keep them from grabbing things in their jaws.

Aslo, whenever we have anything smelly going into the trash, I take the time to put it into a produce bag from the grocery store, or a used Ziploc-type bag, and seal it up so that the smell isn't as enticing.

Answer 3

The only thing that will work is if you watch the dog constantly and catch her. If you cannot watch her or control her, then don't give her free reign of the house. Section off the area where the trash is with a baby gate and don't let her go in. Keep doors closed to rooms with trash. If she is in an area where there is trash, you better be watching constantly or have her on a leash so you can correct her the second she makes a move. You have to let her know that the trash is NOT hers to play with. Make sure she gets plenty of exercise.

Answer 4

We've found that moustraps work best. The old fashioned kind. However- I wouldn't recommend them if you have a smaller dog, it's too easy for them to get injured on them.
Don't place any bait on the mousetrap, just set the trigger and place it on top of the trash. When the dog starts sniffing the trap will pop them on the tip of their nose. Typically the noise is enough to scare them. I do recommend being home if you try this- just to make sure the trap doesn't catch their ear or something!

(Anyone who's been popped by a moustrap knows they don't really hurt, so you don't have to fear breaking your dogs nose. Also, the trap will pop the tip, not the top. NEVER HIT THE TOP OF A DOGS NOSE, as it can break it and possibly kill your dog.)

Answer 5

I suggest getting a lid for the trash can or keeping it away from the puppy's reach. Or try putting something that smells offending to the puppy in and around the trash can.

Answer 6

Roll up a newspaper and beat her with it. She's still a pup- your boyfriend can't expect her to be perfect- my dogs are full grown and they still rob the trash can if there is something that smells good in there! They get slapped when they do it. If you have to leave her alone for a while each day I would invest in a dog kennel, and I would put her in there at night too so she can't ransack your house while you sleep.... just make sure she gets lots of active running time when she is out of the kennel- give her attention and love and teach her right from wrong.... You'll get it. Good luck.

Answer 7

Get a trash can with a lid that either you have to press something for it to pop up or step on something. I learned the hard way when my pugs both got into the garbage and ate coffee grounds and almost died because of the caffiene intake. It cost $800 for both of them to go to the emergency vet that night. Othewise put your garbage cans under the sink/in cabinet, etc.

Answer 8

A box for the dog that looks like your trash can or put your trash can up high.

Answer 9

beating a dog with a newspaper will make her timid and scarred. Dogs have a gr8 sense of smell and of course if she can smell it shes going to want to investigate, its only normal. Sounds like u just need to put the rubbish somewhere out of reach and invest in a Kong Toy....u can place food inside it, and even freeze them, dogs play with them for hrs, trying to get the food out.

Answer 10

My son's adult bulldogs get into the trash when he leaves them alone.
He sprinkled the top of the cans with cayenne pepper....(yeah, I can hear all of you yelling that's cruel) .....but after trying many other things, this worked...and it only costs 50 cents a bottle.