Keeping the dogs out of the trash

93redzj

93redzj

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2005
Location
Albemarle
So my dogs never used to go after the trash can, but ever since we moved, I’d the can is more than half full, they knock it over and empty the contents, ENTIRELY. In an attempt to keep them from getting into the can, I bought one with a “locking” lid. That seemed to just present the “challenge accepted” mode from them and they succeeded. Now we just pick the can up off the floor, but if we forget and leave the house for an extended time, they tear into the can.

What are you guys doing to deter your animals from this behavior? Or any suggestions on “the best trash can out there” to prevent this?
 
They do it when y'all are around? If so, remote shock collar ftmfw
 
Beat the shit out of them while rubbing their face in the trash while yelling no.

Or put sprinkle some of the hottest hot sauce you can find on the trash bags when you put it in the can.

I've used both methods, they both worked.
 
They only do it when we leave the house, for like work. They know they’ve done wrong when I get home and they cower like they know I’m about to beat them….I don’t beat my dogs though, a pop on the ass here and there may be in order but nothing excessive. I may try the hot sauce method, something has got to deter them
 
Jody Treadway said:
They've got energy. Get it out of them with exercise and such. Tired dogs are well behaved ones.
Don't beat a dog for being an animal. That's BS.
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Yeah I don’t condone beating, the occasional pop on the ass is more of an attention getter, not a beating. When I take them out to do their business, one is allowed to run without a leash as she listens but the other one doesn’t listen as well so I keep her leashed. But they could definitely stand for more outdoor time, I didn’t even think of that, thanks
 
trailhugger said:
The best trash can is the one inside the cabinet.
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I like that idea, not sure we have the space though. And double wides (mobile homes) just don’t follow traditional building measurements. We attempted to do one of those sliding drawers for storage in the cabinets a while back and cabinet wasn’t deep enough. The complaint currently is storage space so I’m not sure I could sell reducing it further for the trash can, although I do like it
 
93redzj said:
Yeah I don’t condone beating, the occasional pop on the ass is more of an attention getter, not a beating. When I take them out to do their business, one is allowed to run without a leash as she listens but the other one doesn’t listen as well so I keep her leashed. But they could definitely stand for more outdoor time, I didn’t even think of that, thanks
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People always remark on how well behaved our dogs are. It's because they get long walks at least twice a day, usually 3 times. They have no choice but to be tired
 
93redzj said:
I like that idea, not sure we have the space though. And double wides (mobile homes) just don’t follow traditional building measurements. We attempted to do one of those sliding drawers for storage in the cabinets a while back and cabinet wasn’t deep enough. The complaint currently is storage space so I’m not sure I could sell reducing it further for the trash can, although I do like it
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Yeah, but just think how much more time you'll have to exercise the dogs if you're not cleaning up trash every time you get home. :lol:
 
Jody Treadway said:
People always remark on how well behaved our dogs are. It's because they get long walks at least twice a day, usually 3 times. They have no choice but to be tired
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This. Walks, runs, hikes all help. It keeps the Aussie well behaved, too. :lol:
 
Jody Treadway said:
People always remark on how well behaved our dogs are. It's because they get long walks at least twice a day, usually 3 times. They have no choice but to be tired
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I’m curious, what your suggestion would be, I get up between 1-2am for work each day, not necessarily a time to take them for a “walk” it’s more of a quick let’s go out and do our business so I can get on the road. The fiancé gets up and gets kids ready for school and such in the morning as well as herself, so no real time for a walk then either. I’m usually home by lunch time and could definitely work a walk in then, possibly another at dinner time or before bed. Would that be efficient enough?
 
jeepin' jen said:
How about a wood cabinet to hide the trash can? (That's what we have & it works great!) They're relatively cheap to buy (or you could make one too), won't take up cabinet space, & gives you another counter surface for treasures!
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Hm, there is a space under the counter we currently have our recycle can, I suppose it could be closed in and house a trash can
 
93redzj said:
I’m curious, what your suggestion would be, I get up between 1-2am for work each day, not necessarily a time to take them for a “walk” it’s more of a quick let’s go out and do our business so I can get on the road. The fiancé gets up and gets kids ready for school and such in the morning as well as herself, so no real time for a walk then either. I’m usually home by lunch time and could definitely work a walk in then, possibly another at dinner time or before bed. Would that be efficient enough?
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Are they off lease trained or have a back yard? Throw a ball or frisby, get them good and tired.

Not sure of age on the dogs, but Also a big fan of crate training at least in the beginning.
 
Jody Treadway said:
It all depends on the breed. Some require more exercise than others
Respectfully, do you guys have the time to dedicate to having dogs?
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Yes we do, both of mine are mixed breed, one has Pitt in her, not sure what the other is. They are both rescues, one from an abandoned field and the other from an owner no longer able to care for her. They are well behaved other than the trash thing. I know some dogs require loads more exercise and training/attention then others, I’ve always heard that about shepherds. They never went after the trash at my last house, with same amount of attention and exercise. They are 8/10 years old and I’ve had them the majority of those years. I may not be the poster child, perfect dog owner, but these pups are like my children to me so I treat them as such with love and care
 
83oldyoda4x4 said:
Are they off lease trained or have a back yard? Throw a ball or frisby, get them good and tired.

Not sure of age on the dogs, but Also a big fan of crate training at least in the beginning.
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The older one just naturally listens, she will run around the back yard and through the woods but return when I call her. The younger Pitt mix one will come back (eventually) she doesn’t really listen to when it’s time to come back and more easily distracted as far as wanting to chase stuff. I did crate train them at a younger age though
 
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Discipline, dominance or deterrent. Sounds like they’re good dogs and don’t need to be disciplined, especially retroactively once you get home…they have no idea what they did wrong at that point. Since they don’t do it when you’re home, it sounds like they respect the fact you’re the dominant alpha. This is where I’d go with a deterrent…and as a last resort, I’ve used a border of mouse traps around/on stuff (like trash cans/furniture). But I do agree, bored dogs lead to destruction…so I’d certainly try getting all their energy out first, or I’ve tried some of those toys with treats that makes them refocus/redirect their energy. And I’ll always advocate positive reinforcement…even when you’re home, and they’re not getting in the trash…if they pass by the can, reinforce the fact that (with a command) they’re doing the right thing ‘good dog, out of the trash’ with a corresponding treat/snuggles/belly rub. I’m a believer that I introduced the dog to my house/family…they’re the ones that need to conform, but if they’re not, then I’m doing something wrong.
 
I just put the trash can up on top of the washing machine where he can't get to it. My laundry room is right off the kitchen so it's no skin off my back to take two steps over there.

But mine was 5 or 6 when I adopted him, I saw no sense in trying to discipline it out of him at that point.
 
grapehead said:
I just put the trash can up on top of the washing machine where he can't get to it. My laundry room is right off the kitchen so it's no skin off my back to take two steps over there.

But mine was 5 or 6 when I adopted him, I saw no sense in trying to discipline it out of him at that point.
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This is what we have been doing, BUT in the event the can is forgotten and left down, and more than half full, they get into it. Usually don’t mess with it if it’s less than half full.

I think I’m going to do a combo of suggestions here and look into an enclosed type trash can as in a cabinet, and dedicate more time to exercising these pups to get that energy out.
 
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