You may not like it, but sometimes dogs do like to rummage through trash cans to find food they think is good. Dogs love human food, even the food you throw away. Your dog may actually feel very interested and curious about unpacking the trash can. Of course, this behavior is not behavior that should be continued. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep your dog from breaking into the trash.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making the Trash Can Look Hard to Reach or Unattractive
Step 1. Keep access to the trash can away from dogs
There are various things you can do to keep your dog's access out of the trash. For example, you can put the kitchen trash can in a closed cupboard. However, if your dog has found a way to open the cupboard, you may need to install a safety lock on the cupboard.
- In another room of the house, place the small trash can in a high place where the dog can't reach it, such as on top of a wardrobe.
- You can also block your dog's access to rooms where there is a trash can, by closing the door or using a short safety door.
- You might also consider replacing the trash can with one with a lid that the dog can't open. Trash cans that open when stepped on are not suitable because dogs can learn this trick. When buying a litter box, consider the dog's point of view to determine which breed is easy or difficult to open.
Step 2. Make your trash can unattractive
One commonly used method of correcting bad behavior is to make the behavior unattractive. Put things that are bad for dogs around the trash can so that the trash can no longer looks attractive to him. One of these objects resembled a mousetrap, working by making a loud noise when the dog stepped on it.
- You can also place motion-activated tools near the trash can. This tool can blow strong air when the dog approaches it.
- There is also a type of carpet that will deliver a slight electric shock when stepped on by a dog.
- All of this is especially effective for dogs who like to rummage through trash cans when their owners aren't home.
- While these methods aren't physically painful, you shouldn't use them on dogs that are naturally agitated or timid. If your dog is frightened, an electric shock, a gust of wind, or a thumping sound can make him feel even more frightened.
Step 3. Keep the dog full
Your dog may enjoy unpacking the trash because he is hungry. If you feed him small portions per day, he will still feel full and won't feel the need to dig through the trash to find food. If your dog is on a diet to lose weight, consult with your veterinarian to establish a feeding schedule to keep the dog full but not gain weight.
- If you are frequently away from home and cannot feed him, you can make it difficult for your dog to access the trash can.
- Be aware that some breeds of dogs will not feel full and will not stop eating. Don't continue feeding these dogs until they stop on their own. He will be an obese dog.
Step 4. Get your dog to exercise physically and mentally
Even if your dog is full, he may still be curious about the trash can because he's bored. According to the dog, the smells of the trash can are varied and very attractive. To keep him from getting bored, make sure you give him lots of exercise. Take him for a walk and play with him. If he gets a lot of exercise, you can also take him to a park so he can run around freely and interact with other dogs.
When you're not at home, give him toys to keep him busy
Method 2 of 3: Teaching the “Release” Command to Get Dogs Out of the Trash
Step 1. Hold the food in your clenched fists
A "release" command is given to get your dog away from the trash can. With the food still in your clenched fist, the dog will kiss and hold your hand, and may bark for food. When he's no longer interested in getting the food, maybe after a minute or two, open your hand, say "yes," then give it to him.
- Every three to four times you do this, open your fist, say "yes," and give him the food. Teach him that he should only walk away when you say "let go."
- Keep practicing this until your dog understands that he has to move away from your hand to get his food when you say "go."
Step 2. Teach your dog to look at you for food
Hold the food in a clenched fist, and say "let go." The dog will probably look at you and wait for you to say "yes." When he looks at you, immediately open your hand, say "yes", then give him some food. You may need to practice this a few times before he learns that direct eye contact with you is necessary to get his reward.
In this way, the dog learns to divert his attention from whatever is in his heart
Step 3. Place the food on the floor
Choose different foods to put on the floor. The food he likes, but not his favorite food. This food is used as "bait". When you place the bait on the floor, say "release", and cover the bait with your hand. Hold his favorite food in your other hand. Then when the dog is no longer interested in getting the bait under your hand, take the bait, say "yes", then give him his favorite food.
- Make sure the dog doesn't eat the bait. If he manages to get the bait, show him the tastier food he could have had if he didn't take the bait.
- Challenge him with your hand holding his favorite food about 15 cm above the bait. This will test his ability to leave the bait on the floor, even if it's unobstructed and easy to come by.
- Repeat until your dog has successfully resisted the urge to eat the bait, looks at you, and waits for you to say "yes."
Step 4. Say "let go" when your dog tries to approach the trash can
When your dog tries to approach the trash can, say "let go". At this point, your dog will know that he needs to look at you and not try to get something he doesn't want (in this case, whatever's in the trash). Give him a treat every time he moves away from the trash and looks at you.
Method 3 of 3: Teaching the Dog the “Watch Out” Command
Step 1. Clap your hands and say "look out"
If you see the dog unpacking the trash can, clap your hands and say "watch out" at the same time. Then, pick up the dog by the collar and remove it from the trash. You need to say "watch out" when you see it go to the trash. If you do this after he's out of the trash, he'll take it as punishment and feel confused. This confusion may make him fear you and your punishment.
You may need to repeat clapping and saying "watch out" over and over again before your dog learns to leave the trash
Step 2. Say "watch out" without clapping
Another way to teach him this command is to say "watch out" and then call him out to you. Give him gifts when they come to you. Think of this as keeping the bad behavior away by distracting it with something more interesting.
You may have to repeat this a few times as he approaches the trash can. Gradually, he will understand that moving away from the trash is more attractive than approaching it
Step 3. Put the smelly food on top of the trash can
If you know what kind of food your dog likes to squish in the trash, put it in the trash. Say "watch out" and reward him when he comes to you. After a few repetitions, your dog will learn that he should stay away from the trash can even if there is something very interesting in it.
Tips
- Teach your dog to stay away from the trash from an early age.
- Don't pull food out of your dog's mouth if you see him nibbling on certain foods from the trash. Your dog will not see this as punishment, he will just learn to quickly swallow the food in his mouth before you come.
- As a last resort, use a mouth cage. Certain cages allow dogs to breathe and drink, but not to eat. That way, your dog won't get hurt.
- If your dog continues to scavenge for food in the trash after you've tried to get rid of him, see your vet for further assistance.
Warning
- Food in the trash may contain pathogens that can make your dog sick. Take it to the vet if your dog gets sick after eating food in the trash.
- Chicken bones can damage your dog's intestines and require surgery.
