Dog in the Garbage!@#$

[sharkona]

My Male Whippet will NOT stay out of the garbage. We bungie chord it, we put heavy objects on the top of it, we double bag it, we even bought a more heavy duty can, but still he insists on spreading it across the yard. He even taught our other dog (a female Chesapeke Bay) to do it, and she can get into the BIG cans our neighbors bought. An old trainer I had said that there was no way to train a dog out of it, but I refuse to belive it's impossible. Any help or suggestions would be wonderful.

[shredhead (DOG LOVER)]

put the garbage cans where its unaccessible to them OR buy bitter spray in industrial size jugs and spray it all over the trashcans. :D

Be sure to give them a good firm NO! when they do this. Maybe it'll discourage them a little.

[Saje]

Why do they want in the cans so much? Are they bored? Give them other things to do in the back yard. How much time do they spend out there? How much exercise do they get? They sound bored.

If they are getting enough exercise and attention then try some stimulating toys that take some time. Like a Kong filled with peanut butter.

[homelessdog]

I'd just move the trash can.

But if that's not an option than just stay outside with the dog whenever it's outside so that you can monitor it's actions and correct them right when they happen. They aren't going to learn unless you're there to teach them. As it is now, they think it's the funnest game available to them, and you're just increasing the difficulty levels with all the heavy objects and bungee cords, making it more challenging and more fun. Create a new game for him to play while teaching him that the trash can is off limits.

[Renee750il]

Dogs are natural foragers and some of them just find garbage to be the most irresistable kind of "cookie jar."

You do have to catch them in the act and correct them. Find something that just absolutely is anathema to them - that they just completely hate - whether it's a loud noise or being sprayed with water. It's a tough habit to break, but it can be done. Just expect them to mess up every now and again. You'll have to keep an eye out and correct them at the neighbor's trash too, since breaking the habit with YOUR trash cans doesn't necessarily mean the dog isn't going to continue visiting other trash cans.