How can I stop this lab from tearing up my trash?

Question

The neighbors dog is about 1 1/2 yrs old, and has learned that if she gets into the trash bags, she might find some goodies. The trash I put in a covered container, but the recyling bin does not have a cover. What might I have in the house or can buy to spray on the bags to deter the dog,(other than a shotgun) WITHOUT harming the animal? Other than that, she is a very nice dog. Thanks Lee

Answer 1

try black pepper on the ground around your bins it temporarily messes up their sinuses and is irritating to them.

Answer 2

Is the neighbor's dog let run? Don't you have leash laws where you live? This is dreadful and messy. There is nothing that will stop her other than responsible owners.

Can you wait until the garbage truck comes and take your stuff out then?

Talk to your neighbors about keeping the dog in at least on pick-up day. They would not be happy if she got into poison or hit by a car. They are the bad parents.

Answer 3

I'm confused is it the recycling bin that the dog is getting into or the trash. Either way I would rinse all cans and bottles out good before thy are throwed into the bin. The dog will most likely not be tempted by the garbage that is placed out like a buffet. By the way does your neighbor give the dog enough to eat?

Answer 4

I have a very nice lab and have owned several of them. The one I have now has never met a stranger and he is great with kids, labs are very playful as pups and youngsters and even older they are playful. You could get your neighbor too put a shock collar on the dog and give him light shocks when he is in the garbage, shock collars are very popular in the bird hunting field for training. If you can catch the dog doing what he does and give him a pop and talk firmly with him he will learn, they are smart, he will begin too understand if caught a few times, but you have too punish them while catching them in the act. Labs are notorious for tearing stuff up as pups, they can be very rambuqtious, lol. so good luck.

Answer 5

Good ol Labs!!! I have 2 and my full blooded one will get into trash and chew up ANYTHING plastic. He is 5 and sorry to say no slowing him down. The best thing to do since labs are normally eat WHATEVER (like I said mine loves plastic soo vinger or anything else suggested will no phase hime) is to build or purchase something that will totally confine the trash, that or put it up out of reach, remember labs and stand about as tall as a person if they are desperate enough. Labs are great animals but sure know how to get themselves in trouble. Hope you can find a safe resolution.

Answer 6

Talk to your neighbor, or call the cops. The dog shouldn't be running free anyway. If the neighbor is responsible, there's no way the dog could be in your trash anyways.

Answer 7

There is a great product called bitter apple. That's my first thought, the second is to sprinkle something cheaper like hot sauce on your trash bags. Do it thoughorly at first, and after a bit it will only take a few drops to convice the beast your trash is NOT worth it.

Answer 8

dogs aren't real keen on the smell of mothballs, so putting some in the bin may help deter her. something like these may help as well - you can find many similar products at pet stores.
http://www.westcoastpetsupply.com/2/Farnam-Repel-Away-from-My-Garden-Crystals-1-pint/
http://www.westcoastpetsupply.com/2/Four-Paws-Keep-Off-Dog-and-Cat-Outdoor-Repellent-24oz/

if cost isn't an issue, then there's always this:
http://www.scatmat.com/Products/Scarecrow/

or you may just want to build a small crate with a lifting lid that you recycling bin would fit in.

good luck!

Answer 9

I know new born puppies, especially big puppies, can be a pain in the butt. Maybe you can strap the garbage can to the wall, put a lid on the can, or keep the garbage in the house and take it out when the garbage truck comes by. Best of luck!

Answer 10

Talk to your neighbor first and enlist their help. Explain that you like their dog, but want to inhibit the behavior. That might be all that is needed.

Otherwise, try Bitter Apple spray[sold at pet stores]. It doesn't harm them, but it makes the garbage taste really unpleasant.,.

Good Luck! :)

Answer 11

chilli peppers :)

find a pepper spray solution (not one of that used on criminals, but one more similar to that used to keep rabbits and rodents away from plants), and spray it on the bin, around the garbage, etc. This SHOULD keep the pup from sniffing around, as the scent will be harsh on her nose and discourage her, and if the scent is enough, the taste will be!

good luck!