Dogs

Your #1 priority should be to keep the trash can securely out of the reach of your dog.

A dog's desire to get to food that they can smell is instinctual, so it's up to us as dog owners to prevent their access to the garbage.

Some Places To Keep The Trash Can:

• in a closet or pantry that has a full-size door 
   
• behind a cabinet ...but with child-proof locks
   
• in the garage -- where the dog doesn't have access

This video shows a dog that is used to getting into the trash can stored in the cabinet under the kitchen sink. (You can tell, because he keeps licking his lips :-D) The $2.99 childlocks kept him out!

 

One thing's for sure, when you have a bound and determined dog who is likely to try everything in his power to get into the trash, you definitely have to take extra measures to protect your dog (and your house... from the mess).

Usually, this inconveniences the dog owner and and family members at the same time, but you want your dog to be safe right? And you don't come home to find garbage strewn all over the house, right?

If you don't have a convenient place to store the trash can that you currently own, then consider buying a smaller garbage can that would fit into smaller spaces -- where it would be out of the reach of your dog. Yes, you'll have to empty it more often, but your dog will be safe, and your house won't be a mess anymore!

If none of the above options works for you, then it's time to purchase a pet-proof trash can.

Metal Dog-Proof Trash Cans

A basic metal trash can that you have to step on a pedal to open works well for many dog owners, because dogs obviously can't maneuver the pedal with their paws.

Just make sure you get one that's large and heavy enough so your dog can't tip it over. Then again, if you happen to have a very large and very determined dog, then the size of the trash can matters very little.

Two downsides to the basic pedal-style trash cans:

• If the trash can is full, the dog could get access to whatever is near the top, since the lid won't properly close. 
   
• If the lid simply rests loosely atop the can itself, a simple push of the can itself could cause the lid to become ajar and/or fall off the can altogether.

One metal trash can that comes with a few extra security measures is the SimpleHuman trash can with butterfly doors. It can also be bolted to the wall!  In addition to the reviews found below the product description, here's a review from a dog owner.

Another good option is the Polder indoor/outdoor metal trash; especially the Polder trash can with a pressure-locking inner lid.

 

Patent-Pending Doggy Safe Trash Can

The next step up in dog-proof trash cans is the Doggy Safe trash can. It has a lever that secures the lid tightly in place. For extra security, you can also lock the lid with a heavy-duty padlock -- for those times when you aren't home to supervise the dog. 

The only downside to the Doggy Safe trash can is that you may have to free your hands by putting something down first, before you can unlatch the lid to throw something away. But a little inconvenience is definitely worth the peace of mind when you have a determined dog who will go to great lengths to gain access to the garbage. 

It appears that the Doggy Safe trash can definitely works well at keeping dogs out of trash cans. Check out all these reviews from dog owners.

Other Dog-Proof Trash Cans

Most durable metal trash cans that are pet-proof are going to be in the $100 price range. This is a reasonable price for a large metal trash can, but there are cheaper garbage cans you can find that are pet-proof as well.

One good option is the SimpleHuman slim plastic garbage can.  It has a step-on lever to open it, and the lid locks securely closed with a sliding lever.

Some dog owners have had good luck with wooden trash can holders that you put your existing trash can inside (even better if it has a small latch to secure it closed). But some dogs can open the kind that tilt forward to open.

Others have found success with trash cans that have swinging lids. Just be careful... those swinging lids can be dangerous. No, really!

You could always make your own dog-proof trash can!

If you have an outdoor dog, or occasionally find that neighborhood dogs or wildlife have been in your trash, then you'll need a larger animal-proof garbage can. One good one is the Bear Lock animal proof trash can. A similar animal-proof outdoor trash can is the Critter Can from BeariCuda Bins.

 

 

A Word About Trash Cans With Motion-Sensor Lids

We have this 13-gallon stainless steel motion sensor trash can that sits in the corner of our kitchen. We absolutely LOVE it.

It works for us, but I doubt it would work for most dog owners because even the simple motion of a dog's nose passing near it can trigger the lid to open.

In our case, the first time it happened our large 90 lb dog actually became "scared" of this new "trash can with a mind of its own" and won't walk within 5 feet of it now. However... most dogs would likely see a motion-sensor trash can lid more as a challenge, than as something to be feared.

 

Extreme Measures & Unusual Deterrents

If your dog is a repeat offender, continuing to raid the trash can despite everything you've tried, then you might want to try some of these dog-friendly deterrents to keep your dog out of the garbage.

I have not personally tried any of these, and some of the solutions that you'll find mixed in here should be done with caution.

One thing's for sure... all of these won't work for all dogs, so you'll need to experiment until you find what works best for your dog. 

• Lyn B Offers 3 Solutions For Keeping Dogs Out Of Trash Cans
• Have You Tried Bungee Cords? What About The Bathtub For Bathroom Trash?
• Use Caution If You Try This Mouse Trap Trick!
• Try Hot & Spicy Deterrents Like Cayenne Pepper, Hot Sauce Or Jalapenos
• Have You Tried Set-Ups & Booby Traps?
• Trash Hounds And How To Live With Them
• More About Booby Traps & Catching Your Dog In The Act
• Dog Owners Share Ideas About Dog-Proof Trash Cans

This video shows my favorite outside-the-box solution for keeping your dog out of the trash (watch til the end!)...