How do you stop your dog from ripping up garbage?

Answer 1

As a woman and a dog owner, I've had embarrassing moments where my rat terrier mix has brought something "fascinating" from the bathroom trash can in front of company. Dogs have a far more developed sense of smell than we do. Many of the items put in a bathroom trash can are doubly alluring, the objects smell like us or cosmetics and are "available".

Bathroom trash cans are generally low and open, easily accessible to dogs of any size.

What has worked for us in the bathroom:

1) We use a small metal can with a foot pedal. The closed can keeps down the smell & is difficult for most dogs to open.

2) Empty the can frequently

3) Keep little sealable bags to put used feminine products in

Other suggestions

1) In the kitchen, we use a small trash can under the sink. We open the cabinet and put the trash in the can. Our dogs don't open cabinets. You can also do this if you have room in the cabinet under your bathroom sink.

2) There are wire attachments that you can screw into the insides of your cabinet door so the door comfortably holds the trash can.

Best Wishes

Answer 2

First, prevention. Make it so he cannot reach the trash except when you are available for training. Each time he succeeds in getting to the trash without interruption and training from you, he will strengthen the behavior and you will never be able to fix it.

You might be able to booby trap the trash, especially if you are electronically inclined. Something that can make a loud noise and be set off remotely is ideal. Check the link below for instructions on wiring a fire alarm for remote activation.

Barring that, get a boat horn from a sporting goods store or make a shake can by putting a dozen or so pennies in an empty soda can. Arrange the trash so you can keep an eye on it, but don't appear to be able to keep an eye on it. Carefully arranged mirrors, or hiding behind doors can accomplish this. You don't want the dog to get the idea to avoid the trash only when you are present, so you have to make it seem to him that you are all-knowing, even when he can't see you. When he goes for the trash, make a loud noise to interrupt him. When he goes away from the trash, you can praise and reward him.

Other contributors have said:

• I saw this on one of those Dog Training shows but you should get a closed top trashcan which has the little step to push to open the lid. If your dog gets into that trashcan then you put a spray can that just has air so that every time the dog opens the trashcan he gets blasted with air. It is totally painless.

• get a mat that beeps when something touches it, put it in front of the trash can, and then when it heads towards the trash can, and then steps on the mat it will beep and freak away the dog.

Answer 3

This is a fairly common phenomena with dogs and is somehow related to bitches cleaning puppies after defacation. Some dogs need weaning from this practice. Assuming the dog is on a leash when doing its business, a sharp tug on the leash followed by a treat is usually the fastest way to correct this. It will need to be done consistently until the dog no longer is attracted to its (or another dog's) droppings. It will instead be looking for a treat for avoiding the droppings. The treats can then gradually be removed from the routine walk.

Answer 4

I'm not saying this is the best way but its one of the best ways!!! OK there are 2 ways I will tell you about.

Way 1:

Step 1: Make sure you have bitter apple spray (you can buy at pet store) so when your dog gets into the garbage you can spray him/her (it sounds cruel but it is unharmful and does nothing but teach them to stop getting into the garbage).

2. When your dog gets into the garbage take its snout (nose) and hold it and move it to the direction of some garbage it got into so the dog will see it.

3. Say NO or BAD strictly to let the dog know not to do it but not to scare the dog so don't say it to loud or angrily.

4. After saying NO or BAD in a stern voice tap the snout (not hard just lightly).

5. Take the bitter apple spray and spray on its face NOT NEAR THE EYES (if 3 years old or younger spray near dog, if 4-6 years spray on dogs snout if age is 6+ then spray in mouth).

6. Clean garbage up.

Way 2:

Step 1: Get sour apple big mouth candy spray (you can get at a corner store).

2. Do same thing as with bitter apple with everything.

4. Clean up stickiness off dog because this spray makes things sticky so I recommend way 1!!!

NOTE: Your dog will still get in the garbage but less and less then will learn its lesson and do it rarely and soon won't do it at all.

Answer 5

Put the garbage somewhere your pet can't reach it. Buy a shock collar.

Answer 6

get it a cage. say NO! in a firm voice. dont yell. always praise it if it does something good then it will do that more than chehwing ur stuff up. hope this helped!=)