getting into the trash

[XxATCxX]

So when Cerbi was younger (8 months) I had issues of her chewing up stuff and getting into the trash when I would leave the house. My solution, after general discipline didn't do anything, was to just keep her caged when I was gone. After doing this til she was 3, I started letting her out of the cage, gradually building up to not using it at all (it's still there and she usually just sleeps in it when I'm gone with the door open). She was doing great for about 6 months, wasn't having any issues and I didn't even think of it anymore. Out of the blue about a week ago, I came home to my trash can knocked over and it's contents scattered throughout the house and smeared into the carpet. I was mad but didn't think to much of it. But over the course of the past week she has done it several times now even if I'm gone for less than an hour. It's to the point that she's getting locked up again when I leave, which makes me feel really guilty when I go out at night on the weekends. Any ideas on what might have made her revert back to doing this and how to put an end to it? I admit I have been busy lately so she hasn't been getting the attention or park/beach trips like usual, but this isn't the first time she's been "neglected" and there was never an issue.

 

[whiskers]

Lots of dogs like getting into the trash. It's a self-rewarding behavior, basically meaning... every time they do it they go "yay this is awesome!" and they want to do it again and again.

You're going to find that the best way to address the situation is through management. You don't have to crate her - just get a garbage can with a locking lid or put the garbage up on a table or anywhere else where she can't access it. I don't think there's any reason why she does it other than it's fun! :p

 

[furrykidmom]

We love our simplehuman cans. The lids close flush below the top. so the dog cannot lift it with their mouth or tongue.

With the new puppy we have them in every room now that has a trash can. They are expensive but they are worth the money. You will spend more cleaning and replacing cans in the long run. You can use your 20% off coupon at Bed Bath and Beyond.

 

[XxATCxX]

I'll have to look into those locking-lid trash cans. My trashcan now has a lid but it doesn't lock and she figured out she can just knock it over to get into it. At least she has stopped going for stuff in the bathroom. She once ate all my toilet paper and the grocery stores were closed, that was a rough night

 

[Bastiansgrlz]

I've always kept my trash can in a closet or cubbard. Only time any pet of mine has gotten in the trash is when I left the bag out.

I hope the simple human can works for you.

 

[XxATCxX]

The under-the-sink cupboard would be ideal, but unfortunately in my house cupboard space is at a premium.