How to Keep My Puppy Out of the Garbage

Puppies are curious animals and you'll often find them exploring places they shouldn't be, such as your garbage can. Keep your puppy out of the garbage to avoid unnecessary messes, keep him from hurting himself by ingesting something poisonous and avoid injuries from items such as broken glass. It's also a good idea to keep your puppy out of the garbage, simply so he learns good behavior and how to listen to you. Consider why your puppy may be behaving this way; it could be his age, boredom or hunger.

Things You'll Need

  • Spray bottle
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Baby gate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stop your dog as soon as you see him showing any interest in the garbage can. Clap loudly and say, "No!" or "Off!" This will help him learn to stay away. You can also fill a squirt bottle with clean water and spray him if he enters an area he should not be.

    • 2

      Sprinkle some cayenne pepper or anything foul-tasting into the top of the trash can after each use. Teach the dog to associate digging through the trash with a negative taste to keep him from wanting to do it again.

    • 3

      Set up a baby gate either in the entrance of the kitchen -- or wherever the garbage is kept -- or place it around the garbage can. If you can't teach your puppy to willingly stay out of the garbage, you can force him to stay out by blocking his access.

    • 4

      Hide your garbage can. If your puppy can't find the garbage, he can't dig through it. Try putting it in a cabinet, in a closet or on the counter. Keep in mind that dogs are very smart animals and he might be able to locate the garbage can and get into it, regardless of where it is put.

    • 5

      Keep your puppy active with lots of toys, playing and walks. He is less likely to act out and dig through your garbage can if he's preoccupied with something else. Also, make sure he's given an adequate amount of food and isn't genuinely hungry.