How do you keep dogs out of your trash cans?

Question

I live out in the country so I can't do anything about them running wild, as there is no law about that. I tried putting rocks in the bottom of the can, but this is a BIG dog! The dog knocks over the can and scatters my trash all over the road and the yard! I am so tired of cleaning up after someone else's dog getting in my trash!

Ya-sai......Can you tell me the name of this spray or where you can buy it?

Anti-freeze is now formulated to be non-hazardous to animals.

As for getting a cat, there are also stray cats in my neighborhood and they get in the trash just like the dogs do!

Answer 1

The problem isn't with you or the trash can, or even the dog. It's with the owner of the dog, they obviously don't care where the dog goes, or what the dog does. It's a shame, because I love dogs, and it sounds like this owner isn't mature enough to have the responsibilty that pets bring.

Answer 2

You could do a search on "securing trash can lids" or something like that. There is actually at least one company that specializes in things like trash cans.

You could put them in some corner or put up some kind wire fence around a small area, which would help keep them from tipping if the dogs show up. It wouldn't cost much to put up four posts and a little fencing somewhere inconspicuous. There are also some very pretty vinyl fence sections. I've also seen little carts that have a frame on them, so that the trash cans can be pulled to the curb on the cart without tipping. You could try keeping the trash cans on one of those carts.

You could rinse out anything with food on it to stop the trash from having "attractive" smells. If you stop having attractive smells in the trash the dog may stop coming by as often.

Answer 3

You could put them in some corner or put up some kind wire fence around a small area, which would help keep them from tipping if the dogs show up. It wouldn't cost much to put up four posts and a little fencing somewhere inconspicuous. There are also some very pretty vinyl fence sections. I've also seen little carts that have a frame on them, so that the trash cans can be pulled to the curb on the cart without tipping. You could try keeping the trash cans on one of those carts.

Answer 4

It's safest all the way around if you inform you city/county animal services. Feral dogs are not safe for humans, pets, wildlife, etc. You can find the number in your local phone directory or call information. Unfortunately, feral dogs are often not neutered so they end up having litters of puppies, which just continues the problem. If they are adoptable, they may find a home with a new family. Rather than dying due to malnutrition or getting hit by a car or dying from disease or getting shot at by people fed up with them or getting killed by a larger animal...see my point.
The trash cans with the locking lids is a good idea. Or maybe a bin/shed that locks so they can't get to it to knock it over and pull the lid off.

Answer 5

A bunch of sick, cruel people answered this question. Hurting the animal is not the answer. You can build a bin up off the ground to put trash in. You can buy these metal wheeled carts that hold 2 garbage cans. There are lots of things you can do just by using common sense. How about talking to the dogs owner. Shame on all of you who gave answers that would hurt or kill the animal!!

Answer 6

There are trash containers with more secure lids.

There are velcro clamps that will make them more secure.

You could do a search on "securing trash can lids" or something like that. There is actually at least one company that specializes in things like trash cans.

You could put them in some corner or put up some kind wire fence around a small area, which would help keep them from tipping if the dogs show up. It wouldn't cost much to put up four posts and a little fencing somewhere inconspicuous. There are also some very pretty vinyl fence sections. I've also seen little carts that have a frame on them, so that the trash cans can be pulled to the curb on the cart without tipping. You could try keeping the trash cans on one of those carts.

You could rinse out anything with food on it to stop the trash from having "attractive" smells. If you stop having attractive smells in the trash the dog may stop coming by as often.

You could try putting ammonia in a spray bottle and spraying the inside of the can (not the animal could drink it - just so it will create an ammonia smell) .

You could keep the trash in the garage or basement until trash day.

Answer 7

I'm a woman, to keep my dogs out of my monthly trash, I got the squat, foot pedal, metal can. (think Walmart) My dogs don't try to knock the can over like a challenge, but that does seems to keep them from messing with my trash. For a kitchen can, A taller one might work. (I saw a neat $60 touch-less one from Sams club though I don't know how sturdy it is from a dog.) My kitchen one, they have tried, but only succeed if I had smelly meat near the top and too tempting. For that, the bag goes outside (or where ever) until trash day. As for her loneliness, perhaps a comforting soft squeaky toy that she's picked out.. and that you've played with together (and perhaps you've slept with (when new)).. So she has something to snuggle with that has your scent, for when she's alone. Good luck.

Answer 8

I had this problem long ago, and it was a neighbors dogs. I did not want to kill it but I broke it from getting in the trash.
Find a car battery that has a charge.Line the top part of the trash can with tin foil attach jumper cable from battery to it. Place a rug where the dog will stand close to the can, soak the rug with alot of salted water. Attach other jumper cable to the rug.
When the dog touches the rug and can 12 volts will go to it, not killing it but it won't bother another trash can.

Answer 9

You can call the police in your area if you know which dog is doing it. Though there are not laws on animals it is still the owners job to keep the animal from doing damage to your property. Get pictures of dog in the trash if necessary. Good luck and other then putting an encasement around the trash I cannot think of any other way to keep it intact.

Answer 10

You might try a trash can rack. They are easy to make if you can use a hammer and nails. You only need some old boards, nails and a hammer. Build a frame that will accommodate your size trash cans by getting 4 boards that will run the length of your trash cans and 4 boards that will run the width and then 4 boards that will run the height of your cans and nail then together to provide a place to place your trash cans without them being knocked over.

Answer 11

The answer lies in keeping the lid on. If you have typical galvanized metal can you can wrap a bungee cord once around the handle of the lid and hooke the ends to the sides of the can.

Another suggestion (used to keep dogs from digging) if to sprinkle the area with cayenne pepper. It makes them sneeze and they stay away. I would say put some cayenne pepper liberally on top of your trash just in case they get through the bungee cord. And sprinkle it around the trash can area as the come sniffing out a good nights meal.

Nothing wrong with reporting stray dogs to animal control either.