Being a dog owner is no easy task. Pet owners face various challenges every day. Often, they have to break their pets of bad habits. Dogs' constant urge to dig in the trash can can be a real bummer for owners. Food scraps scattered across the floor are hardly a good look. And a dog that's emptied the trash can isn't exactly a sparkling cleanliness. Add to this the health risks associated with chewing on inappropriate items. The only solution is to be patient and train your pet to stop this behavior.
Restrict access to the trash can
This option will not only keep your dog safe, but will also make the food preparation process more convenient.
The easiest way is to keep the trash can out of reach. Some people try to elevate the trash can, but this isn't the most aesthetically pleasing option—it'll likely ruin the room's decor. Alternatively, you can place the trash can in a lockable compartment in a base cabinet in the kitchen.
If the dog learns to open the cabinet with the bucket, you'll have to come up with additional protection against intrusion. For example, you could secure the two cabinets together with a strong rubber band, wrapping it around the handles several times.
Buy a tightly sealed bucket
Smart trash cans aren't very common yet, but they can still be found in major cities.
If you can't hide the trash can, you can purchase a model with a lid. A smart dog can easily handle a design where the bucket opens by pressing a pedal. It is better to choose a more modern trash can equipped with a sensor.
If you purchase a sensor litter box, please note: the lid should open with a touch of your hand, not by moving over the sensor. Otherwise, the investment will be wasted—your dog will still get to the litter box.
Find a way to entertain your dog
If you play with your dog thoroughly outdoors, it will not have the energy left for indoor pranks.
Sometimes a dog will rip apart a bucket because it's bored. It's worth buying it some new toys to brighten up its time and giving it more attention.
Form a conditioned reflex
There are devices that work on command from the dog's owner, and there are those that operate autonomously.
An effective method is to create an unpleasant association between the trash can and the dog. Special deterrents are used for this purpose. However, only the most resilient, unsentimental owners can use these devices to stop a mischievous dog from digging in the trash.
This method is not suitable if the dog is nervous or fearful.
Pay attention to training
When training, do not raise your voice at the dog or hit it.
A more humane approach is training, where dogs are taught to follow their owner's commands. This disciplines the dog and makes life much easier for the owner. If the animal's owners have no experience in this matter, or they do not have free time, they can turn to dog handlers for help.
There are various ways to overcome a dog's bad habits. The most effective is training. But you can also try other options that seem easier or more effective.
