Health

How Do I Puppy Proof A Trash Can?

Written by: Dr. Katy Nelson

January 25, 2019

Bringing a puppy home is an incredible delight, but as cute as the little fluffballs are, they can be a ton of work. You have to potty train them and you have to teach them simple commands and you absolutely have to teach them how to stay out of places they aren’t supposed to be!

Take the trash can, for instance. Your puppy is probably going to want to stick their face — and maybe their whole body — in the can with the garbage and make a huge mess, but there are a few things you can do to try to prevent this.

Keep The Trash Cans Out Of Reach

Holding a puppy

Your best bet, right off the bat, is to tuck as many of your trash cans away as you can. Whether you’re putting them inside cupboards or under tables or even on top of the counters, put them where your puppy just can’t get to them. This may not be a permanent solution, especially if you’re putting a trash can on the kitchen counter, but it’s a start.

Get A Secure Trash Can

Use a trash can with a locking lid, like this one for just $49.98 on Amazon. This way, even if your pup knocks the can over, the lid should stay in place so nothing comes out. These trash cans are perfect for in the kitchen where all your food scraps are ending up, because we know how much our dogs love to get into the table scraps!

Work On A Training Plan

Holding a Puppy

Put your training skills to the test and break your pup of the habit of getting into the trash. Use the same positive reinforcement for good behavior that you’re using for other aspects of their life, like going to the bathroom outside or performing a trick you taught them. If they successfully go through a day without getting into the trash, maybe they (definitely) deserve a dog treat. And when they do get into the trash (because mistakes will happen), let them know that it’s not okay.

Give Them Something Else to Do

Puppy chewing on chew

Try giving your puppy a Puzzle Toy that will keep them busy, especially if you’re going to leave them alone for a period of time. With something like this Treat Maze toy, they’ll be so focused on how to get all the yummies out that they won’t even care about trying to get into the trash. You can also try giving them a nice meaty chew to chew on, but make sure you pick one that’s safe for puppies.

Reward Them For Their Good Behavior…With BarkBox!

Little Puppy In BarkBox

Has your puppy been staying out of the trash, thanks to training and their growing maturity? If the answer is yes, then they definitely deserve a BarkBox subscription!

If your puppy’s been a very good boy (or girl), they receive a box full of 2 toys, 2 delicious bags of treats, and one deliciously meaty chew for as little as $22 a month. That’s a steal! And let’s be honest, if it keeps them out of the trash, it’s very much worth it.

Featured image via Best Trash Cans

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Written by: Dr. Katy Nelson

January 25, 2019

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A themed collection of BARK-designed toys, treats, and chews.