Aside from being annoying, your dog's trash-digging fetish can be dangerous and potentially fatal -- he might get poisoned or his digestive system might get perforated or obstructed. Scolding and punishing your pet companion after the fact is ineffective, because he's long forgotten about his treasure hunt and won't know what you're fussing about. Instead, try to catch him in the act when you're at home, and when you're away, booby-trap the trash can to give your dog an unforgettable experience that will keep him from raiding the trash.
Observe your dog closely each time he's near the trash. Don't leave him out of your sight, because to correct his behavior, you must catch him as soon as he starts showing interest in the trash.
Shake a can of coins or clap your hands and firmly say "off," when your pet companion goes for the trash can. This will startle your dog and stop him in his tracks. If he continues to go for the trash can, repeat the "off" command and take him out of the room by his collar. Be consistent and do this each time you catch your dog in the act.
Redirect your dog's attention to acceptable activities. Hide small dog treats throughout the house and encourage him to go on a scavenger hunt for them. Alternatively, give him a food-stuffed dog toy to keep him busy.
Booby-trap the trash can when you're unable to watch your dog. Tie a dog treat to a string and attach it to an empty soda can. Build a pyramid of empty soda cans near the edge of a table above the trash can. Position the can with the string at the bottom of the pyramid. Place the string with the treat over the trash can. When your dog goes for the treat, the cans fall and startle him away from the trash. Alternatively, use commercial deterring gadgets that emit a scary noise to scare your dog away from the trash.
Spray the trash can with a commercial dog repellent. Your dog dislikes the taste of the repellent and will most likely leave the trash can alone. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda on the can for a similar effect.
Tips
If your efforts to correct your dog's trash-digging behavior seem ineffective, make the trash can inaccessible to your dog -- use a pet-proof lid, put the trash can in a cabinet secured with a child-proof latch, close the door to the room with the trash or use a baby gate to block your dog's access to the room.
To prevent boredom, which might trigger his trash-digging behavior -- let your dog run and play outside every day so he gets enough exercise, and provide chew toys and food-stuffed dog toys to keep him busy.
Tips
If your efforts to correct your dog's trash-digging behavior seem ineffective, make the trash can inaccessible to your dog -- use a pet-proof lid, put the trash can in a cabinet secured with a child-proof latch, close the door to the room with the trash or use a baby gate to block your dog's access to the room.
To prevent boredom, which might trigger his trash-digging behavior -- let your dog run and play outside every day so he gets enough exercise, and provide chew toys and food-stuffed dog toys to keep him busy.
Items You Will Need
- Can of coins
- Food-stuffed dog toy
- Dog treats
- String
- Empty soda cans
- Deterring gadgets
- Dog repellent
- Baking soda
References
- The Everything Dog Obedience Book; Jennifer Bridell
- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Counter Surfing and Garbage Raiding
- Dogs Are From Neptune; Jean Donaldson
- Fitness Unleashed!; Marty Becker and Robert Kushner
Tips
- If your efforts to correct your dog's trash-digging behavior seem ineffective, make the trash can inaccessible to your dog -- use a pet-proof lid, put the trash can in a cabinet secured with a child-proof latch, close the door to the room with the trash or use a baby gate to block your dog's access to the room.
- To prevent boredom, which might trigger his trash-digging behavior -- let your dog run and play outside every day so he gets enough exercise, and provide chew toys and food-stuffed dog toys to keep him busy.
Writer Bio
Kimberly Caines is a well traveled model, writer and licensed physical fitness trainer who was first published in 1997. Her work has appeared in the Dutch newspaper "De Overschiese Krant" and on various websites. Caines holds a degree in journalism from Mercurius College in Holland and is writing her first novel.