How to Dog-Proof Your Trash

If there is one thing almost all dogs attempt to do, it's raid the trash can. Some dogs are bold enough to raid the trash right in front of their owners, others wait until they are left alone. Dog owners must become proactive and vigilant in order to keep their dogs focused on the kibble in their food dishes instead of the trash in the trash can. This can be done by dog-proofing the household trash cans.

Things You'll Need

  • Child-proof lock
  • Heavy trash can
  • Outdoor enclosure with lock
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Place your trash cans inside a nearby cabinet. Kitchen trash cans can go in the bottom of a pantry closet or under the kitchen sink. Smaller bathroom trash cans can fit underneath of the bathroom sink.

    • 2

      Install a child-proof lock on all cabinets that contain trash cans if your dog figures out how to open those doors and get the trash out.

    • 3

      Set up a heavy trash can, such as one made of stainless steel, in your kitchen. The trash can must have a lid that locks in place. This type of trash can usually has a foot pedal that will open the lid to the can when stepped on. Dogs can't tip over heavy trash cans and they most likely won't be able to figure out that they have to step on the pedal to open the lid.

    • 4

      Lock up your outdoor trash cans in an enclosure. This may be as simple as a small gated area, garage, barn or as complicated as a custom built trash can enclosure. Whichever method you choose, your trash will be safe from curious pups that are let outside to play.