How to Keep Dogs Out of Trash

When a dog gets into a garbage can, the resulting mess is enough to frustrate even the most tolerant dog-lover. Whether a stray tips over your trash can or your own dog does some damage at the neighbors, here are some tips about how to keep a dog out of the trash.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look through your stash of household cleaners and get the ammonia out. Dogs have a keen sense of smell, so they think, "Hmmm, they smell like garbage, and so there must be something to eat in there. Dig in fellas." Knock that good smell out of there. Sprinkle full strength ammonia over the trash and dogs won't go near it. Getting a little whiff of ammonia is not as mean as letting a dog get sick because he ate rotting food full of bacteria.

2. Place mouse traps on top of the shorter indoor trash can lids. One snap and the dog won't go near the trash again. Or at the very least, move the trash can to a place a dog can't get to it, like behind a child proofed latched cupboard.

3. Purchase an animal-proof container if all else fails. They range in price from $100 to $200. You can find these "critter cans" online.

Tips & Warnings

• Sprinkle moth balls or crystals in shrubbery to keep dogs away from your bushes as well.

Resources

• Critter Bin Trash Container.