How can I keep the dogs out of the trash? --iVillager b2178
Dog trainer Andrea Arden says:
A little management should do the trick for your garbage raiders! I would suggest management is the key to solving your problem. Instead of focusing on punishing your dogs for inappropriate behavior (yelling at them or otherwise correcting) them try to focusing on showing them what you want them to do and setting them up to do it. Why? Because this is generally much easier and more effective. If you yell at them when you catch them going in the garbage, chances are they will just learn to wait to enjoy themselves in this endeavor when you (the punisher) aren't around. Then, you will have an owner absent behavior problem! Instead, when you are home have them on a leash and use it to keep them tethered near you while you watch TV, read, play on the computer, etc. Give them each a well-stuffed chew toy and enjoy them lying calmly by your side.
Pretty soon your dogs will be 'chew toy-aholics' and be so into their really well stuffed toys they won't bother with anything else.
But, as a precaution, employ a very technical professional dog trainers trick. It is called the shut the door theory. That is, close the kitchen door so they can't get into the garbage!
