How to Get Your Dog to Stop Knocking Over the Trash Can

Keep your dog safe from any potential hazards found inside the home's trash can.

For many dogs, the lure of a trash can filled with the dinner scraps is too much to handle. This curiosity and hunger results in a kitchen floor covered with the contents of the garbage can. The dog may also come in contact with items in the trash that can make it sick, including cleaning products and expired foods. Dog owners can prevent their dogs from making a meal of the contents of the family trash can.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4 cup ammonia
• Plastic bag
• 1 tbsp. cayenne pepper
• Dog proof trash can

Instructions

1. Place the trash can into a closet or in a cupboard that can accommodate the size of the can. This will prevent the dog access from the can altogether.

2. Feed the dog several smaller meals throughout the day or offer him treats periodically. This will keep the dog's hunger at bay, which will keep him from hungrily invading the trash.

3. Pour 1/4-cup ammonia into the trash can or place a plastic bag with the ammonia into the bottom of the can. The dog will find the ammonia odor offensive and keep away.

4. Rub one tablespoon of cayenne pepper onto the lid or side of the trash can. The dog will lick or smell the pepper and associate this unwanted taste and smell with the trash can.

5. Locate an animal-proof trash can, which can be purchased for around $100-$200 dollars at pet stores as of 2010. These cans come equipped with a lever or lock that can only be accessed by humans.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid scolding the dog after it has already knocked over the trash. The dog will not make the connection that it is being punished for this unwanted behavior. Only scold or punish the dog if you catch it in the act of pushing over the trash can.

References

• Animal Talk: Dog Proof Trash Cans
• ASPCA: Counter Surfing and Garbage Raiding