Question: Dobby, my roommate’s dog, sometimes digs into the trash. My roommate says scolding him after I find trash on the floor is ineffective. Is this true? If so, how do we deal with this problem?
Answer: Your roommate is correct. Scolding Dobby after he’s raided the trash only confuses him — he has no idea why this crazy human is yelling at him — and that makes him fear you.
To stop Dobby’s unwanted behavior, catch him as he’s starting to investigate or dig into the trash. Immediately distract him by tossing a toy across the room or taking him outdoors.
Better yet, prevent Dobby from getting into the trash by blocking his access to it. Store the bin in a cabinet with a childproof lock or in the pantry with the door shut. If the trash bin must be in the room, choose a design with a dog-proof lid, maybe with a latch. That way, Dobby can resume being a good little house elf — er, dog — who is praised for his good manners.
Ask the Vet is written by veterinarian Lee Pickett, VMD. Send questions to [email protected] and read more at saturdayeveningpost.com/ask-the-vet.
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Comments
Our poor Basset hound pictured above looks both forlorn and guilty. I used to dog-sit 2 Dobermans, brothers, and one was a trash digger, or so I was told. He didn’t do it in front of me, preferring to burrow his snout in my jacket pocket. I have heard stories from veterinarians who’ve been very shocked at what they’ve seen in the X-rays.
The last paragraph’s advice of no access is probably best and works for me. Plenty of bad stuff can happen even when pet parents are home, much less gone for a duration of time. If they feel lonely, abandoned or sorry for themselves, mischief will follow. I hope Dobby IS being praised for his good manners now, but otherwise does seem hardwired to trash dig if given the opportunity.