Why do dogs like to dig through trash cans

1. It’s a dog’s instinct

In fact, dogs looking for food in trash cans are also driven by their instincts. Generally speaking, dogs like to dig through trash cans. There is always some leftover food thrown into the trash can, and it is also an instinct for dogs to find the source of the scent and knock over the trash can or bite the trash bag to look for food. Dogs living in the wild often dig through garbage dumps because they can find some food to satisfy their hunger.

2. Dogs are playful and curious

Why do dogs love to dig through trash cans? The answer is simple. The dog doesn't know that the trash can cannot be turned over. It may think it is a toy trash can. Sometimes puppies dig through the trash can just for fun, knocking the trash can over and rolling it around. This is a very new thing for the puppy. The puppy is curious and will happily dig through the trash can and play with it.

3. Dog life is too boring

A dog who is alone at home will rummage through the trash can. It is not that he particularly likes garbage, but that it is too boring to be home without someone for a long time and wants to do something. There are some things that cannot be done under the supervision of the master.

4. Dogs like smelly things

You must know that the things in the garbage are very attractive to dogs, even more than the special dog toys you buy for them.

Because dogs like smelly things, no matter what is thrown away, it has a strong smell. Shredded paper and plastic also taste good when chewed, and if you turn them down and turn them over, you may be able to turn them over. There are some scented plastic bags and delicious bones. This is not a trash can, it is simply a cornucopia!

5. Dogs are deficient in trace elements

Careful parents may find that their dogs not only like to dig through trash cans, but also like to chew garbage, such as waste paper towels and plastic bags in trash cans. , or some tasteless household garbage, and may even engage in behaviors such as eating dirt, stones, sand, licking walls, and chewing grass. Then you need to pay attention, this is a sign of a dog’s lack of trace elements.

Dogs need many trace elements in their bodies, such as potassium, sodium, zinc, magnesium, iodine, manganese, cobalt, selenium, etc. For example, zinc plays a role in regulating the taste of dogs. When dogs lack this trace element, their taste will be slow, causing dogs to not know that the taste of some soil, sand and other things is actually unpleasant.

How to correct your dog’s habit of digging through trash cans

However, pet dogs kept at home are always used to digging through trash cans, which is not a good habit. Dog parents should prevent their dogs from digging through trash cans from an early age.

In response to this situation, the first thing we must do is: discipline!

1. Stare at it:

As an owner, you should closely observe the behavior of your dog. Once it wants to get close to the trash can or is already digging through the trash can, the owner should stop it in time. Once you find your dog approaching the trash can, scold him loudly to make him leave voluntarily.

2. Strengthen memory:

If simple warnings don’t work, then gently tap the dog on the head when it is near the trash can or when it bites the trash. , and at the same time, yell loudly to let it know that it will be severely punished once it gets close to the trash can.

3. Make a little mischief:

If you are reluctant to beat your dog, or discipline it for a long time to no avail, then you can only make a little mischief, such as spraying on the edge of the trash can. Just use air freshener, perfume, or something that smells very irritating to your dog, such as essential oil or cooling oil, to make it feel that the smell of the trash can becomes unpleasant.

Note: Never spray toxic pesticides or disinfectants, as this may harm your dog.

4. Keep the trash can out of the dog’s sight:

Dog owners should be reminded that if they don’t like your dog digging through the trash can, don’t put leftover bones, Throw bags of bread and anything that smells good in the trash, otherwise your dog will get sick and have diarrhea if he eats something he shouldn't.

Dogs like to dig through trash cans because of these unknown secrets!

If all discipline fails, then you can only use this trick, put the trash can out of reach of the dog, or lock the trash can in the toilet. Of course, for some less smart dogs, you can also choose a lidded trash can instead of an open trash can.

In addition, puppies are always very curious and energetic. Parents can buy them more new toys to play with when they are not at home, or they can chew glue to distract the dog's attention.

5. Precautions

Note that to prevent dogs from going through the trash can, in addition to stopping, educating, and training, owners should also prepare enough food for dogs every day so that pet dogs do not need to If you are worried about your own food, then a full dog will naturally not have much leisure time to look for food and dig through the trash can.

It is usually best to choose professional dog food to feed your pet dog. This type of food contains many nutrients that dogs need. In addition, it is paired with some meat, eggs, and fresh vegetable foods to feed your pet dog reasonably. , you can also buy some pet instant calcium vitamins to supplement it with enough trace elements to ensure good health.