Dogs & Trash Cans: Not the Best Combination!

Dogs are some of the most curious creatures in existence. They will use their fantastic sense of smell to their advantage! Unfortunately, dogs love to explore trash cans. This is not surprising, as trash can be full of different scents, making a dog’s mind go crazy! However, dogs and trash cans are not a good combination as some of the things inside will damage a dog’s health. Below are some tips for preventing your dog from accessing the trash can.

Hide the Trash Can – This tip can eliminate bad behavior all at once.

The objective is to hide the trash can. The last thing you want to do is place your trash can in an open area, which is easy for your dog to access. Consider placing the trash can in a secure area your dog cannot access.

Offer Safe Alternatives – Have you noticed your dog trying to get into the trash can? If so, stop the behavior immediately and offer a safe alternative. Distract your four-legged friend with a healthy snack or a chew toy. This will help break the habit.

Upgrade – If you like the convenience of having the trash can in an open area with your dog nearby, you may consider upgrading your trash can. Look for a trash can that is harder to open that has a lot more durability. For example, you may invest in a trash can with a foot pedal or a lock.

Examine Your Dog’s Eating Routine – Dogs may want to get inside the trash because they are hungry. Take a look at your dog’s eating routine. You may decide it’s best to serve your dog smaller servings of food throughout the day versus two bigger meals. This will be trial and error to see if it makes a difference.

As you can see, there are many ways that you can stop the behavior of your dog trying to get into the trash can. Prevention is critical.

Please take our tips seriously unless you want your dog to get into something so toxic requiring a trip to the emergency vet!