Should I scold the dog when he gets into the trash?

Question

I know it's in a dog's nature to hunt for food, and I know that a soft-shelled taco is a tasty treat for anyone...which is why I feel torn about the whole scolding thing with my dog. He's gotten into the trash twice, both times when I wasn't in the room. The first time he did it, my husband spanked him once and I actually cried. :) This second time I had a hard time scolding him verbally because he had a taco wrapper around his nose & I had to stifle a laugh. So what's everyone's verdict on scolding the dog? It's obvious he shouldn't be in the garbage, and I shouldn't have to change where the garbage is simply because he pokes around. Should spanking be involved at all, or should I just give him a stern talking to and send him outside? It'd be much easier if I could catch him in the act, but he only does it when we're not around.

Answer 1

You need to be very sure that you are placing him directly in front of the garbage (placing his nose in it isn't a bad idea either) so that he knows exactly what he's being disciplined for. Don't call him and make him come over, you need to pick him up or lead him by leash to the trash. The method of punishment is up to you, but it should be consistent with the rest of his training. So if spank him for, say, peeing on the carpet, then you need to spank him for this as well. If speaking in a disapproving tone seems to be all it takes for him to understand that he has done something very bad, then you can leave it at that.
Remember, it may be difficult for you to discipline the dog at first, but in the long run it will make him happier. Dogs much prefer to know what they can and can't do. They like having instructions to follow. So while you may be upset at the idea of spanking the dog or correcting him with a choke collar, etc., keep in mind that in a very short time you won't have to issue corrections for him to obey. And then you will both be much happier.

Answer 2

The dog should not be allowed to dig through the trash. Dogs who eat trash often end up with what is euphamistically referred to as "garbage gut", a gastrointestinal disorder which results in runny diarrhea. the dog may also pick up bacteria, maggots and worms from the trash.

Whenever the dog approaches the trash can give him a calm but firm, "No trash," command, and remove him from the trash can area. Be consistent. Do this EVERY TIME he nears the can, whether he's digging in it or not. He'll get the message.

Never spank, swat, drag at or hit your dog. This teaches him nothing except to be afraid of you.

If the dog is getting into the trash when you're not around the simple solution is to put the trash someplace where the dog cannot get to it.

Answer 3

Scolding is fine. Hitting is not. Here's a suggestion for you. We had to do this when our dog was a puppy.
Get a trash can that you can keep closed. I am not sure what they're called, but at the bottom you can step on it and the lid will come up. When you put your trash in it and step on it again and the lid will go down. I don't think I'm explaining it right, but I'm sure it's available at K-Mart, Walmart, etc. It solved the problem for us.

Answer 4

you can only scold him if you catch him in the act. dogs live in "the now" and if you scold him after, he won't have any idea what he did wrong, it will only make him confused and mistrust you. you need to put your garbage somewhere else, like in a cupboard or closet, and get one with a lid on it. dogs mostly get destructive when they're bored, so when you're not around, maybe get one of those toys that you can stuff treats in that he has to work for. or you could try crate training him for when you're not going to be home

Answer 5

Yes, you should scold your dog for getting into the trashcan. It is not good to beat or hurt your dog in anyway!! Just say a stern NO and maybe he won't do it anymore. If you were to sell your dog or give it away the new owner might not want him because of this bad behavior and he/she might take your dog where you won't want him!! So teaching the dog is probably a good thing to do so he won't get hurt or get in trouble!! Good Luck!!

Answer 6

Dogs are very sensitive animals. And they are very smart. But if you want him to behave then you have to point at the garbage can and say "NO" in a very stern and kinda loud voice. He needs to know you are serious. I have had to spank my dogs before and you don't have to do it hard. They think even the smallest tap sucks when your mad. I have always had house dogs and they know the rules now. I have had Pitts, but now I have a lab, a Min Pin, and a chow. They all know the rules. When I go to sleep at night I just make sure I empty the can. This makes the temptation less at night. good luck

Answer 7

since you know its nature for him to forage for food that's one answer make sure he is eating his dog food and it is convenient for him to get to. Next lead him to the trash by getting his attention when you are putting something really good in there meat or something he really likes. then every time he even looks at the can scold him by saying no trash no and take him away then do it again with something he likes and over and over and eventually he will associate the no trash command, the other thing to do is get something to make loud noise. i use a children's gate i pen him out of the living room with when i go away, just wait for him to come near the can and drop it right in front of him he will scarred to death of the gate and then just put the gate against the can and he will leave it alone. it worked for me.

Answer 8

I know, I hate to displine them, too! But imagine him getting out something embarrassing, like a tampon or something. Try using a water bottle and give him a squirt on the nose when he does this. You need to catch him in the act, or he won't understand why you're upset.

Or, you could try getting a garbage can with a sturdy lid, like a stainless steel can.

Answer 9

Yes, as soon as it happens. You might as well swallow your pride and forget it after 5 min. The dog know no difference. Every time it looks tempting I just say "no" or "at!" Then the dog just cowards her head and goes to her food. Or I will say" NO! Bad! GET out of there!" in a deep voice they only seem to know deep voices. And not, voice like say that it is okay.

Answer 10

If your dog dislikes being put outside, that's the answer! Scold him verbally (NEVER HIT AN ANIMAL!!!!) and put him outside. Be patient! He will eventually get the message.