She is 3 years old, and loves digging through the garbage. I've only had her for 4 months, so I don't know if this is a new habit or not. Short of putting the garbage cans on counters, tables, etc., which is unsanitary, does anybody know of a solution to keep her from getting into the trash?
2007-01-12 02:38:40 · 9 answers · asked by Missy 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I had the same problem with one of my dogs. I would discipline her when I got home and she obviously knew it was wrong, but kept doing it. Don't you wonder what they're thinking? I guess either they don't think of the consequences until after the fact or they just decide its worth it!
My kitchen garbage can has a swinging lid. I duct taped a traditional mouse trap to the lid and swung it inward. When my dog went to go into the garbage, she nudged the lid and the mousetrap snapped and scared the hell out of her. She never got into the garbage again.
This may sound like a bad idea, but you have to take precautions to make sure the mousetrap cannot snap onto the dog's nose, foot, etc. I set mine on the lid right up next to the base, so that it snapped on the base holding the lid, and couldn't snap on the dog. I don't know if it would work with every dog, but its worth a shot. I had to resort to this after foul-smelling substances (bitter apple, bleach, etc.) didn't do the trick.
2007-01-12 03:01:59 · answer #1 · answered by reblcwgrl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you say garbage, is there food in this garbage? Or just paper products etc? Check with the previous owner if you can to see if she did it before. If this is a new behavior, it could just be a test to see what she can get away with, and who is the boss or leader of the pack. You can keep her out of the room with the garbage. If that isn't possible, then securely cover it. Empty it often. Let her know you do NOT like this behavior. If you catch her getting into the garbage, a firm NO, and basicaly ignore her and give her no possitive attention. If the deed has been done, and you did not catch her doing it..be upset at the mess she has made, not the dog, and be annoyed that you have to clean it up. Tzu's can be stubburn and it may take a while to fix this habit. But don't give up...She will learn what makes you happy and what upsets you. For the most part Tzu's and most other dogs just want their human happy. Also, if you catch her in the act, you can try to distract her by clapping your hands or rattling change or something. It also depends on what is in your "trash" if it is food, she is after the food. I put my "Trash" container in the cabinet under my sink where he can't get at that trash. Other products like paper trash, close the doors where those containers are. Limit her access to those containers. She will learn, give her time..you have only had her a few months and she needs to learn YOUR rules. She needs to know you are the "Alpha" and are the boss.
My Tzu did this for a very short time until he realized I didn't like it. He doesn't go into the garbage anymore.
2007-01-12 11:11:50 · answer #2 · answered by just me 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had to lock my garbage in a kitchen cabinet with a hook attachment because my 5 lbs. doxie would still be able to open the door LOL
2007-01-12 11:08:14 · answer #3 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pour a little pinesol in the container, the smell should deter her from the trash.
2007-01-12 10:47:05 · answer #4 · answered by stringhead3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use a cap-ful of bleach. Let her get a little smell of it. Dogs don't like it, it won't hurt them, and when the garbage has had a little bleach sprinkled on it, they usually stay away from the garbage.
Bleach won't hurt the dog, when we are at a public pool, the smell is bleach. This works if you have outside cans too.
2007-01-12 10:43:25 · answer #5 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
the best way to have her stop is to prevent it... is to put the trash up out of the way or get a trash can with lids
2007-01-12 11:28:58 · answer #6 · answered by RVC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we keep it in a seperate room with a door and keep the door shut she she cant get into the trash
2007-01-12 10:46:34 · answer #7 · answered by Dylan B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
get trash cans with lids
2007-01-12 10:45:51 · answer #8 · answered by Stick to Pet Rocks 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you are going to have to be firm with her, my cat use to do that if he turned it over he;d run and I'd pick him up take him right back to it and scolded him he got the message and doesn't;t do it anymore. be firm tell her. NO! good luck
2007-01-12 10:45:52 · answer #9 · answered by deedee 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋