[dfoust5341]

:?: Does anyone have any ideas on how to teach my dog, a 4 yr old miniature pinscher, how to stay out of the garbage?

[emma_pen]

Keep the garbage away from the dog? :lol: Sorry!

Erm, I guess any dog with access to something as great (to a dog!) as a full garbage bin, he's going to take advantage. I say secure your bin better! Where is he getting into it - in the house or outside? I have a baby gate on my kitchen doorway for 2 reasons: 1) to give the cats somewhere to be free of dogs, and 2) to keep the dogs out of the litter trays, the bin, and the cat food 8)

[busta11]

i would also say that all you have to do is block off the garbage so your dog can't get in to

[LadyA]

Unfortunately I agree, the best way to keep a dog out of the garbage is to keep the garbage away from the dog. Even if you had a cover on it and it was secure, the dog still could knock it over and get into it anyway. Try putting it in another room, or perhaps in the pantry, or a closet close to the kitchen...or even a small trash can can be stored under the sink, in the cabinet. Good luck!

[Doggiewoggie]

I think so too. I keep the garbage in a trash can under the sink. Garbage is just too tempting for dogs. The only other thing I could think of would be to get a garbage can with a good lid that the dog can't open.

[vetgroomer]

If keeping the garbage securely away from the dog is not an option, here's one that often works to teach dogs to stay out of places they don't belong.

Get a large, clear carpet protector mat, like you'd place in front of a door to protect it from mud and debris. It has to be one with the little pointy things on the back to hold it in place. Put the mat down with the little pointy things up, instead of down. Put your trash can in the middle of it, and let Mr. Dog experience little pointy things poking his little toes when he tries to get the trash. Don't force him onto the mat. Let him do it to himself. That usually keeps dogs from getting into garbage, especially little dogs.

You can also use this to teach them to stay off furniture, or to stay out of rooms you don't want them going into.