We love our dogs, but there’s no denying they can be mischievous at times. Whether it be chewing your favorite pair of shoes, scratching at the furniture, or digging through the trash can, dog’s love to explore with their curious nature. But what are you supposed to do when you come home from a long day at work to find that your canine friend has knocked over the trash can and started digging through the garbage? Not only is this frustrating, but it can also be dangerous. This is why a dog proof trash can can be such a great addition to your household.
Not only do dog proof trash cans help keep your doggo out of the trash and your house cleaner, but they keep your pup away from potentially hazardous items that could be in the trash. This way, you won’t need to worry about them when you’re out at work. Below, we have complied a buying guide explaining everything you need to know about dog proof trash cans, including their benefits, what to look for, and even our top picks so you can pick the right one for your home.
Why Does My Dog Dig Through The Trash Can?
Before we learn any more about dog proof trash cans, we must understand why dog’s dig through trash cans in the first place. There are three main reasons for this.
Hunger
If your dog is hungry, they’re going to go anywhere they can looking for food to eat. This includes your trash can. Even if you feed your dog a good and nutritious diet, if the diet does not provide your pup with enough calories, they are always going to feel empty. Your dog’s food intake needs to increase as they grow, so if they are constantly getting into the trash and searching for food, take a look at the amount you are feeding them to make sure it’s enough. Additionally, if you’re out all day at work and get home late, you may be forcing your doggie to wait too long between meal times, so they go searching for food elsewhere. If this sounds like it could be the cause, looks into an automated feeder that can feed your pooch even when you’re not at home.
Smell
If your dog can smell something delicious coming from the trash can, perhaps last night’s dinner leftovers or bits of meat, they will dig around in the trash until they find it. Normally this happens only very occasionally, which is how you will be able to determine they were enticed by the smell and not their hunger that we mentioned above. If this is what causes your dog to get into the trash, try to double or triple wrap the food you throw away to ensure they can’t smell it. You can also throw your trash away more frequently, or after a meal you know your dog will love.
Boredom
If your dog is bored, nervous, scared or suffering from separation anxiety, they might go through the trash to make themselves feel better. Just as we as humans often resort to food to cheer ourselves up when we feel sad, your dog is doing the same thing by finding something nice to munch on in the trash can. If you think your dog is bored or suffering from anxiety, make sure they have plenty of toys to take their mind of it when you are not at home. You can also help them by making sure they get plenty of exercise, too.
Benefits Of Using A Dog Proof Trash Can
There are a number of reasons that dog proof trash cans can be of great benefit to you and your dog. If your dog is to get into the trash can by themselves, they could face a range of issues, which we have laid out below.
Poor Hygiene
We throw many things away because they’re dirty or smelly. If your dog then gets into the trash can, they can smear this dirty food and other dirty items all over themselves, and then carry it around your house. Then, both your dog and your home are unsanitary! Also, if your dog knocks over the trash can it can go all over the floor, making a big mess.
Dangerous And Harmful Items
There may be items in your trash that can be very dangerous to dogs. There are, obviously, foods that humans eat that dogs cannot eat and if these happen to be in your trash and your dog ends up consuming them, it could make them very sick. These include foods such as chocolate, gum, onions, garlic, walnuts and grapes.
Sharp Objects
Sometimes there may be sharp items in your trash, such as glass, tin can lids or wooden skewers, and these can really hurt your pup. They may puncture or cut your dog’s mouth and body and then you would need to take them to the vet — not only a painful experience for your dog but also an expensive one for you!
Choking And Obstruction Hazards
We all know a dog loves a bone, but it has to be the right size of bone and they should always be supervised when eating it. If there happens to be bones in your trash, such as ribs from last night’s dinner, they may be too small for your dog’s mouth and they could end up choking. If this happens when you’re not at home, the results could be very dangerous. Even if your dog ends up swallowing something, it could still end up stuck in their digestive tract which can cause issues later on.
Harmful Chemicals
There may be toxic items in your trash, such as chemicals, cleaning products, pesticides, detergents and batteries and if your dog tries to eat these, they can become very sick.
Food Aggression
If your dog is constantly taking food out of the trash, you will constantly have to take this food off them. If you keep having to do this, your dog may become very aggressive around food and learn that they need to fight and compete to keep their food. This can result in them biting or attacking the next person that tries to take food off them.
Things To Look For In A Dog Proof Trash Can
There are a few factors you should look for in a trash can to ensure it is going to be the best one at keeping your dog out of the garbage.
Material
Firstly, you want a trash can made out of a material that your dog won’t destroy too easily. Therefore, you should stay away from plastic, because dogs can bite and scratch that, ultimately destroying it. Instead, you should look for a more durable material, such as stainless steel. Not only will your dog not be able to bite through it, but it is also a much heavier material than plastic so it won’t get knocked over so easily.
Size
The bigger your trash can is, the more stable it is going to be. This means you dog won’t be able to knock it over so easily. Bigger trash cans can also have other benefits too, because they can serve a household with a large family without you having to take the trash out so often.
Lid
There must be a lid on your trash can if you have a pet at home. If there is no lid, your dog is going to be able to access the garbage bin very easily. The lid should be very secure and solid. You can look for a locking lid too, so even if the trash can gets knocked over, the food is going to fall out onto the floor. This means less mess while also denying your dog access.
Bottom
A trash can with a rubber bottom might be optimal if you are worried about your dog knocking it over. With a rubber bottom, the trash can has more grip on the floor, helping it to stay in place better.
Sensor
Not really a feature for your dog, but trash cans that have motion sensors to open them can be more convenient for you. This way you can open the garage can without having to touch it and get your hands dirty.
How To Keep Your Dog Out Of The Garbage
If you want to make sure your dog really does stay out of the trash can, there are a few tips in doing so.
Firstly, you can deny your dog access to the room the trash can is in entirely. If they’re not allowed in the room, then they’re not going to be going through it. This can be a solution until you have trained your doggy not to go into the garbage can, because it is not really practical in the long run. Alternatively, if you don’t want to deny your dog access to certain rooms in the house, you can just put the trash can in a cabinet. This not only keeps the trash can away form your dog, but it keeps it out of the way as a general eye-sore too.
If your dog is digging through the trash because they are bored, the best thing to do is try to relieve the boredom. This can be done by ensuring they have plenty of toys and mental stimulants to play with, especially when you aren’t at home. They should also get plenty of exercise too, because this makes a dog generally happier. They are also going to be getting more interaction with you if you take them to the park and play fetch, and this will take their mind off the trash can.
Places To Keep The Trash Can
If you’re worried about your dog getting into the trash can, the best place to keep it is somewhere they can’t access it. This could be in a cabinet, as we mentioned above, so only humans can access it. This can also make it less of an ugly attraction in your kitchen too! You could also keep the trash can in the garage or in another room your dog can’t access.
If you’re ready to find the right trash can to keep your dog well away from it, take a look at the best dog proof trash cans below. They are all available on Amazon.
The Best Dog Proof Trash Can Reviews
1) simplehuman 50 Liter Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can
This 50 liter trash can from simplehuman is made from durable plastic that is fingerprint-proof and easy to clean. With a lockable lid, you can be sure to keep your doggo out of the trash and the trash inside even if it gets knocked over. The lid is also quiet, gently closing without any large bangs. The pedal is made from strong stainless steel that won’t break no matter how hard you step on it, ensuring you won’t ever need to open the bin with your hands. The capacity is large and great for families, meaning you won’t need to take it out and empty it so often.
The semi-circle design means that it fits comfortably against the wall and out the way, and there is a soft-plastic coated wall bumper that prevents the can from bumping up against the wall. This trash can is designed to be used with custom fit liners which are both strong and durable and ensure there is no leakage for a cleaner trash experience. It is available in either a black, brown, white or gray color.
2) iTouchless 13 Gallon Pet-Proof Sensor Trash Can
This pet-proof trash can from iTouchless comes with a motion sensor lid, meaning it is quick and convenient without you ever having to touch the trash with your hands. Included in this trash can is an AbsorbX Natural Activated Carbon Odor Filter to absorb and neutralize trash odors, not only for a healthier, fresh and clean smelling home, but also to ensure your dog stays uninterested in the trash inside. The trash can is made from strong stainless steel that has a fingerprint-proof surface and is easy to clean. The shape and design of it means it fits easily into any home, keeping it out of the way.
The base is non-skid, ensuring your dog will have a tough time trying to knock it over. The extra weight of the stainless steel metal also helps to ensure your dog won’t push the trash can over. There are two power options with this trash can — batteries and an AC adaptor. However, there are also manual buttons if you decide you don’t want to use the electronic features. With a capacity of 13 gallons it is perfect for a large household and it fits all common 13 gallon trash bags.
3) simplehuman 58 Liter Rectangular Dual Compartment Trash Can
Another trash can from simplehuman, this trash can has a capacity of 58 liters and comes with two different compartments — one for trash and one for recycling. This means recycling can become easier for you, allowing you to be more eco-friendly. The soft-silent close lid does not make a noise as it opens and closes and there is a strong steel pedal that will not break no matter how much you use it, just as with the other simplehuman trash bin above. The stainless steel design of this trash can gives it some weight, ensuring your dog will find it hard to push the trash can over or get into the lid.
The coating on the trash can is also fingerprint-proof, meaning the garbage can stays looking clean! The trash can comes with custom-fit liners, ensuring the trash stays secure and does not leak out onto the floor. When it’s time to change kitchen trash bags, this stainless steel liner rim makes it really easy by flipping up and staying up, making it very convenient for you. It comes in a range of colors to fit your home decor.
4) iTouchless 16 Gallon Dual Step Trash Can
Another trash can from iTouchless, this stainless steel trash can has a capacity of 16 gallons and also come sight two different compartments for waste and recycling. With an easy way to separate your trash from recyclable waste, this trash can encourages you to be more eco-friendly. With a large capacity this trash can still has a slim design, ensuring it doesn’t take up too much space and can still stay out of the way. There are also two pedals, so you can open one compartment without having to open the other. Made from stainless steel, the weight of the can ensures that your dog won’t be able to knock it over.
The lid is also secure to keep your pets out, and it closes quietly too as to not attract their attention! The stainless steel is fingerprint-proof and smudge-resistant, ensuring the trash can stays looking clean and tidy. The buckets inside are removable for easy disposal of waste and there is a tuck and hold design to keep full and heavy bags from slipping and spilling everywhere, too.
5) NINESTARS DZT-50-28BR Automatic Touchless Motion Sensor Oval Trash Can
This motion sensor trash can from NINESTARS ensures only you can open it, keeping both pets and children out. With a stainless steel design the trash can is already heavy and difficult to knock over, but if your dog does manage to do so, the lid will stay closed and they won’t be able to get at the trash. Not only does the motion sensor mean you don’t need to touch the trash and avoids the spread of germs, but the lid seals in odor and germs, too, ensuring your dog doesn’t get interested in what’s inside!
The lid closes softly and doesn’t make a noise, either. Both the ring liner and the bucket liner are removable, making taking out the trash easy and keeping the bags secure and not on show. The can is fingerprint-proof keeping it looking clean, too. The base of the trash can is non-skid, again helping to keep it in place so your dog can’t knock it over. This trash can requires 2 D batteries, although there is also an open and close button if you decide you don’t want to use the motion sensor.
6) Safco Products Canmeleon Outdoor/Indoor Open Top Pentagon Trash Can
Molded from high-density polyethylene with UV inhibitors, the Safco Products Canmeleon trash can is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Although it has an open top with no lid, the bottom of this weather-resistant trash container can be fastened to the sidewalk or weighted with sand within your home, ensuring your dog won’t be able to knock it. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t have a lid as your dog still won’t be able to get to the trash. Even better, the open top means that you can discard of waste without ever having to touch the trash can.
The base of the trash can hides liner bag and includes a recessed bottom for easy maintenance. The trash can has a capacity of 30 gallons, ensuring you won’t need to empty it every day. Even if this trash can isn’t one you want in your home, it can be great for use in the yard or for business use, too, keeping not only your dog out of the trash but also pets belonging to the public!
7) SONGMICS 16 Gallon Step Trash Can
Another trash can with two separate compartments, this 60 liter trash can neatly sorts your trash and recyclables in one convenient, space-efficient space. With it’s slim design and rectangle shape allows you place it directly against the wall anywhere in your house, out of the way of children and pets. It also comes in a heavy duty stainless steel design, ensuring your pup won’t be able to knock it over. It is fingerprint-proof, keeping it looking neat and clean and the inner removable compartments not only keep it tidy but are also very convenient when taking out the trash.
The two foot pedals on this trash can gives a hands-free opening and the ABS plastic lid closes in a slow, silent and airtight manner and keeps germs and odors at bay from both you and your dog. With two foot pedals instead of one you can also open one compartment without having to open the other. There are also two side handles so you can easily move the trash can around, too.
8) UBBI Steel Odor Locking Trash Can
This UBBI trash can is actually designed to be used as a diaper pail, but with it’s locking design is great to use as a trash can for pet owners whose dogs have a habit of digging through the trash. With a large capacity inside this trash can can hold a lot more waste and the steel material that it is made of keeps the odors inside, making it perfect for those dogs who are enticed by the smell of leftover food in the trash. The steel design also makes this trash can very durable and it will last you a long time.
The lock is childproof meaning both your kids and your dogs won’t be able to get inside, even if they manage to knock it over. There is also a damper mechanism for a smooth and hermetically sealed closure, ensuring no leakage at any point. This trash can takes any standard trash bag, saving you the hassle of having to buy special trash bags, too. It comes in a range of bright colors so you can find one that fits into your home perfectly.
9) Behrens 6 Gallon Rust-Proof Steel Locking Lid Trash Can
The Behrens trash can is best designed for outdoor use and is great for dry storage, holding trash, yard waste, seed and pet food. With a 6 gallon design it has a good capacity and it is made from high-quality, extra durable galvanized steel. This is much better than plastic as it is not only very strong and heavy, making it difficult for your dog to knock over, but it also won’t absorb odors so it won’t make your dog interested. The lid locks and is secure and difficult for both your dog and rodents to get into, especially great if you are storing your dog’s food inside and you know they will get creative to try to get it out.
This trash can is also weather resistant and will not rust and has large handles for easy carrying. You can purchase this trash can in packs of 1, 2, 3 or 4 and in different capacities too — 10 gallon, 20 gallon and 30 gallon — for all your yard needs.
10) NINESTARS Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can
Another NINESTARS trash can, this one is similar and also has a motion sensor but comes with two different compartments. With one compartment for general waste and another compartment for recyclable trash, this trash can encourages you to be eco-friendly and makes it much easier for you to separate your trash from your recyclables. The touch-free motion sensor not only ensures you don’t have to touch the trash can, but it also means there are less germs being spread. The lid closes softly without making a noise and seals in odors to keep your dog uninterested, and delay sensing technology preserves the battery life and prevents any unnecessary opening from pets or children.
Made from stainless steel this trash can is easy to keep clean and also very strong and durable, so your canine friend won’t be able to knock it over. The removable ring liner holds trash bags sturdily in place and prevents the bags from overhanging for a neat and clean appearance, too. This trash can requires 4 D batteries, although there is also a button to open and close it if you don’t want to use the motion sensor. With an 18 gallon capacity, this trash can is great for a large household.
11) GLAD GLD-74507 Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can
This trash can from GLAD has a 20 gallon capacity, meaning it fits 50% more trash compared to a standard 13 gallon trash can and ensuring you don’t have to take the trash out so often. Made from sturdy stainless steel, this trash bin is durable and won’t be knocked over easily, while also being fingerprint-proof and easily to clean. The soft-close lid is designed to be quiet and not attract your dog’s attention, and it has cloroxtm odor protection, providing protection of the lid and the lid frame by inhibiting the growth of odor causing bacteria. This means the trash can won’t smell making it great for you but also uninteresting to your doggo.
Perfect for large families, this trash can fits any standard 20 gallon trash bag and there is the convenience of storing extra bags right behind the trash can with the rear bag compartment. The bag ring helps to keep the bags in place too, so they don’t slip or cause a mess. The design of the trash can is slim and it will fit easily and out of the way anywhere in your house and the step design means you don’t even need to touch the trash can when throwing something away. This trash can also comes in a motion sensor design and in a 13 gallon design, too.
12) Sterilite 12.6 Gallon Locking StepOn Waste Basket
These trash cans from Sterilite come in packs of two. With a smaller design and a 12.6 gallon capacity, these trash cans are perfect for placing around your house, giving you somewhere to throw trash away in every room. The special “D” design of these means you can place them up against the wall or a cabinet so they are out of the way, too. With a locking lid, these trash cans stay locked even if they get knocked over, especially great if you have a dog but also saving your carpet and floors from any mess.
The step-open design means you don’t need to touch the trash can to throw something away, either. They are easy to clean and also durable, lasting you a long time. They also come in a pack of two in a white color.
13) Suncast 33 Gallon Outdoor Trash Can with Lid
Another trash can designed to be used outside, this Suncast is very large with a 33 gallon capacity. Perfect for backyards, patios or desks, this trash can is constructed with durable resin that resists fading and keeps water out through every season. With a functional design, the lid of this trash can is hinged so you have easy access but your dog does not. The lid latches securely so the garbage stays in the bin and it helps to keep your backyard area clean. With a height of 31.6 inches, it is quite tall for many breeds of dogs ensuring they won’t be able to get to the top. This height also means it is difficult to knock over, too.
Even better, it has a decorative wicker design that is an attractive solution for your refuse that will match most outdoor decor and it only takes five minutes assemble. It also comes in a taupe and white color, too, and there are matching chairs and tables from Suncast so you can have the full set.
Dog Proof Trash Can FAQ’s
How do I know if I need a dog proof trash can?
If your dog is constantly going into your trash can, digging through left over food, knocking it over and making a mess on your floors, you could definitely benefit from a dog proof trash can. Not all dogs are interested in the trash but most are, so if you have a pet, it’s well worth a purchase.
How can I dog proof my current trash can?
If you don’t want to buy a new trash can but want to dog proof your current garbage can, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, you could place something heavy on top of the lid, to stop your dog trying to get in. You’ll need to be careful though as it needs to be heavy enough to keep the lid closed, but not too heavy that it will hurt your dog if they knock it off. You can also spray the trash can with a foul-smelling spray your dog will hate, deterring them from going near the garbage. You can buy these online or make your own.
Another trick is to attach your trash can to the wall. If it attached to the wall, your dog won’t be able to knock it over. You could also try changing the location of your trash can to an area where your dog can’t reach it. Of course, the easiest option for dog-proofing your trash can is to ensure there is nothing in it — so emptying it often will help too!
How to I train my dog not to eat out of the trash can?
While a dog proof trash can is a great idea, an even better solution is to train your dog not to go into the trash can at all. You can do this by teaching them a “no” or “off” command. This may take some time, but it will be worth it in the end. You can also take them for walks, ensuring they get enough exercise, and give them toys to play with to ensure they aren’t bored and wanting to go through the trash.
How do I stop my dog chewing on the trash can?
We mentioned above that you can buy and make foul-smelling sprays that you can spray onto your trash can. They will smell and taste horrible to your dog, and will prevent them from even going near the trash can, let alone chew it.
Conclusion
If your dog loves to dig through the trash and make a mess in your house, a dog proof trash can is for you. Not only is trash all over your floor unpleasant for you, but digging through the trash can be harmful to your dog. There may be harmful foods such as walnuts or grapes in the trash or dangerous chemicals and pesticides. There could also be small bones your dog could choke on or glass that could cut them. Keeping your dog out of the trash is a must, and a dog proof trash can is the way to do it.
Remember to play close attention to the weight and size of the trash can, as well as the lid so your dog doesn’t have access. If they won’t leave it alone, place the trash can in another room until you have trained them. Always remember to make sure your pup gets lots of exercise and has things to play with during the day when you are out, so they don’t get bored and resort to the garbage for fun!