The 10 Best Dog-Proof Trash Cans to Buy in 2024
Almost every dog owner has experienced it — the sinking feeling that comes from encountering a floor full of trash you thought was secured in a garbage bin. At minimum, you’ll face the hassle of cleanup, and at worst, your trash-curious dog could put itself in danger by ingesting something harmful.
Nearly half of American households are home to at least one canine companion. Keeping your home clean and your pet safe often means going through some trial-and-error to find a dog-proof trash can, which is why we’ve searched dozens of products to, ahem, sniff out the best trash cans for dog owners.
First up, we have our mini buyer’s guide. If you want – as your dog does – a more in-depth look at the The World of Dog-Proof Trash Cansof dog-proof trash cans, we’ll rummage through that later with you.
- How We Chose the Best Dog-Proof Trash Cans for 2024
- Top 10 Best Dog-Proof Trash Cans 2024
- 1. Best Overall Dog-Proof Trash Can: simplehuman Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can
- 2. Best Premium Dog-Proof Trash Can: Brabantia Touch Trash Can
- 3. Best Budget Dog-Proof Trash Can: simplehuman Round Bathroom Step Trash Can
- 4. simplehuman Under-Counter Pull-Out Recycler
- 5. simplehuman Butterfly Lid Step Trash Can
- 6. Glad Step Trash Can
- 7. Songmics Double Recycle Pedal Bin
- 8. iTouchless SoftStep Trash Can
- 9. Tramontina Step Trash Can
- 10. iTouchless Sensor Trash Can
- The World of Dog-Proof Trash Cans
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
How We Chose the Best Dog-Proof Trash Cans for 2024
What’s important to you may be different from the factors we used to make our determination about the best dog-proof trash cans, but here’s a look at our methodology.
- Sturdiness: First and foremost, any dog-proof trash can must stand up to the wear and tear of a typical household, not just from the dog but from the family.
- Ease of use: A dog-proof trash can shouldn’t be so secure that it prevents people from emptying or cleaning it.
- Security: Some method must be in place to prevent a dog from accessing the trash, and some methods are more likely to be successful than others.
- Durability: Dog-proof trash cans should work as well in the second month or third year of operation as they do on the first day. Bins that wear out quickly will need to be constantly replaced.
- Value: An expensive trash can isn’t necessarily a bad thing, provided the features and quality make it worth the higher-than-average cost.
You can find a fuller examination of our selection criteria in our main guide.
Yet now, the dog is at the trash-can door, so let’s review the ones out there available today.
Top 10 Best Dog-Proof Trash Cans 2024
1. Best Overall Dog-Proof Trash Can: simplehuman Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: It’s not as high-tech as other trash cans, but simplehuman’s Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can is one of the few to offer a physical locking mechanism, and its solid build is an excellent value for the money.
Quick Facts
- Capacity: 13 gallons
- Opening Mechanism: Step
Sturdiness
The solid plastic shell and vinyl-coated wire structure make this a solidly built waste bin that can stand up to medium and small dogs, but very large dogs may be able to topple the bin, depending on where it’s placed.
Ease of Use
This model does require the lid assembly to be attached to the body of the bin before use, and this takes quite a bit of pressure to force rods to pop into place. But once setup is complete, using the bin is easy, and particularly for those who use drawstring bags, removal and cleaning are simple tasks. Standard 13-gallon drawstring garbage bags will fit inside the can, but non-drawstring bags can be a challenge with this model.
Security
The Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can from simplehuman was one of the few models we reviewed that includes a locking mechanism, which helps elevate this model for families that need to keep nosy pets out of the garbage.
Durability
The hard-plastic shell resists dings and scratches and, unlike stainless steel, doesn’t show fingerprints. If the lock is used consistently, users will need to check it periodically for signs of wear and tear. For example, if the lock moves much more easily than it used to, that could be a sign that it will soon be too easy to open the lid of the bin.
Value
It’s fair to say simplehuman’s kitchen step trash can is something of a no-frills option, but not having some of the more technologically exciting features present in other trash cans keeps the price point on the low end of the range.
Pros
- Excellent value for the money
- Locking mechanism that keeps the lid from being lifted
- Fits standard-sized tall kitchen trash bags
Cons
- Lid can be tricky to assemble
- Can is one piece, so tall overall height (26.5 inches) can make for difficult cleaning inside the trash can in the event of a spill or torn bag
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The sleek design and touch-opening lid give the Brabantia Touch Trash Can a futuristic look, and the round stainless-steel design makes it difficult for dogs to get a grip with their teeth.
Quick Facts
- Capacity: 16 gallons
- Opening Mechanism: Touch
Sturdiness
A similar height to other tall kitchen bins on our list, this model is heavier than most due to its solid build and stainless-steel materials, making it more difficult for big dogs to knock over.
Ease of Use
Assembling the unit consists of simply placing a trash bag into the inside of the metal can and then placing the lid on top and changing out the bag is as simple as repeating that step.
Security
The soft-touch lid requires a press to open and another press to close it again. While this isn’t a lock exactly, it does make the Brabantia Touch Trash Can just difficult enough to figure out that most dogs won’t be able to open it easily. All household members will need to remember to close the lid when they’re done, though, as it does not close on its own.
Durability
With few moving parts, not much will wear out on this trash bin. The touch mechanism can become clogged with dirt or residue. If this happens, users should take the lid off and wipe off the inside of the latch.
Value
As one of the most expensive cans we reviewed, the Brabantia Touch Trash Can is on the low end of what we considered expensive. It’s also one of the few that has any form of locking or latching mechanism to help keep a dog out of the trash, so while it’s more expensive than most, the stylish look and solid build are worth the expense.
Pros
- Unique soft-touch lid keeps trash can secure
- Heavy unit reflects solid construction
- Sleek style elevates simple product
Cons
- 16-gallon size can make it challenging to find bags
- Latch mechanism is exposed to the inside of the trash, which means it may need to be cleaned regularly
3. Best Budget Dog-Proof Trash Can: simplehuman Round Bathroom Step Trash Can
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: It’s strange to say a trash can is cute, but the simplehuman Round Bathroom Step Trash Can is just that. It does exactly what it needs to do in a small space and at a low price, and with several color options, the bin can reflect your style.
Quick Facts
- Capacity: 1.2 gallons
- Opening Mechanism: Step
Sturdiness
This little trash bin won’t stand up to the rigors of a very large or especially persistent dog, but the small size means it won’t be right for a kitchen, anyway, so dogs that are motivated by human food waste won’t encounter it much, as it’s designed for bathrooms.
Ease of Use
The product has a removable bucket inside the outer metal shell, and most users will find it easiest to remove this bucket to dump out the trash into a larger waste bin. Because of its unique size, it can be difficult to find trash bags at your local grocery store, but for those who use liners, it’s even easier to empty the bin by simply lifting the bag out.
Security
While the simplehuman Round Step Bathroom Trash Can does not have a locking mechanism, the soft-close lid ensures that the bin won’t remain open if a person forgets to close it after they’ve thrown something away. Smart dogs might be able to simply nose their way in, but the lid has enough heft that it should deter most dogs.
Durability
Since this will most often go in a bathroom, users will need to be wary of spots appearing on the stainless steel from showers, bathtubs, or sinks, but wiping the bin down should remove them.
Value
This was the least expensive trash bin we looked at, which should come as no surprise since it’s also the smallest. But for people who need a simple solution to keep their nosy dog out of the bathroom trash, or the office trash, or the bedroom trash, this tough little can will do the trick.
Pros
- Slow-close lid means dogs won’t encounter lid left open
- Compact design makes it versatile enough to go in many rooms
- Removable inner bucket makes it easy to dump trash from small bin to larger one without replacing bag
- Multiple color options to fit in with variety of personal tastes
Cons
- No locking mechanism
- Specific but small size means few mass-market options for trash bags to fit inner bucket
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This is an all-in-one unit that allows homeowners not only to separate trash from recycling but to keep the whole thing tucked away out of sight.
Quick Facts
- Capacity: 9.3 gallons
- Opening Mechanism: Drawer
Sturdiness
The entire assembly is designed to be attached with screws into the bottom of a lower kitchen cabinet, which means it’s fixed to a solid surface and won’t slide around. The pull-out assembly is pre-assembled, eliminating the risk of a bad DIY installation that prevents the parts from gliding.
Ease of Use
This requires more measuring and planning than most trash cans. That’s because you’ll need to be sure you have the under-counter space inside your kitchen cabinet not only to install the unit but to allow it to work effectively. This means not installing it so far back into the cabinet that you can’t access both the trash and recycling can.
Security
Because this trash bin is made to be tucked into a kitchen cabinet, unless your dog can figure out how to open a closed door, the only time your pooch would have access is when someone has intentionally opened the cabinet. Plus, because the unit must be pushed back to close the cabinet and it’s designed to fit tightly, even if the door is open, many dogs wouldn’t be able to get their heads into the trash anyway.
Durability
One of the bits of homework needed to determine if this can is a possibility is to check for any leaks in your kitchen sink (or whatever cabinet this will go in), as well as any possible mold or insect infestations. If any of these are present, that could cause undue stress on the glide assembly that would either keep it from working or cause it to wear out before its time.
Value
Unlike the other trash bins on our list, this is the only one designed to permanently upgrade the functionality of your home, though we’ll grant it’s quite a minor upgrade. So when you consider that it not only entirely removes the temptation of easily accessible trash from your dog’s life but also could add a tiny bit of value to your home, the relatively high price may be worth it if your kitchen cabinets have ample space for this unit.
Pros
- Allows trash to be completely hidden away
- Provides two-in-one functionality of trash and recycling, but those who don’t need the dual-purpose unit can select the trash-only version
- Glide unit comes pre-assembled, so users don’t have to do complex setup work beyond attaching unit to base of cabinet
Cons
- Requires thorough measurement and careful assembly to ensure maximum functionality
- Unusual bin size means finding bags or liners will be difficult at mass-market stores
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The unique opening style, a butterfly lid with flaps that separate to reveal the inner bin, means that there is no rim or lip for a dog to get its nose under.
Quick Facts
- Capacity: 11.9 gallons
- Opening Mechanism: Step
Sturdiness
The build and styling of this simplehuman can with its unique butterfly-construction lid feels solid, both when stepping on the pedal and when inserting or removing a bag or liner. That’s probably because at nearly 19 pounds, it’s one of the heaviest units we reviewed, but this beefed-up sturdiness should stand up well to even large dogs.
Ease of Use
Opening and using the can daily is easy, but the inner bin must be removed to replace garbage bags and liners.
Security
When closed, the butterfly lid sits flush, and there’s nothing for a dog to get its curious nose under. Users will need to be sure they don’t overfill the trash bag, as any refuse hitting the lid will cause it to open, which could lead a dog where you don’t want him.
Durability
The can’s construction is solid, and there’s nothing to assemble. That means all work has been done at the factory, and that shows in how steady, stable, and durable the bin is.
Value
This is the most expensive dog-proof trash can we reviewed by a considerable margin. But for families who have tried other solutions to keep their dogs out of the trash, the innovative design may be effective despite the lack of a latch or lock.
Pros
- Unique lid style means dogs would have to figure out how to use step pedal to open bin
- Several capacity options in product line, and even highest capacity is good value despite the high price
- Slim design means bin can be tucked into inconspicuous spot, including inside a kitchen cabinet.
- Inner bucket comes out of metal assembly entirely, which makes it easy to clean.
Cons
- Non-standard trash bag size means it could be difficult to find mass-market garbage bags
- High price; this is the most expensive can we considered
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The lid sits flush against a surrounding frame when closed, and the lid frame isn’t easily dislodged when the lid is closed, which makes the Glad Step Trash Can very dog resistant.
Quick Facts
- Capacity: 20 gallons
- Opening Mechanism: Step
Sturdiness
Glad’s high-capacity step can is solidly made, with a body constructed from stainless steel. Users will need to be mindful of the rear-placed bag compartment that could create instability if placed in such a way that the bottom would move toward the wall.
Ease of Use
An interior ring holds bags in place, meaning non-drawstring bags can be used with this model, but it can be tricky to get a handle on the best technique for inserting and removing bags without becoming frustrated.
Security
The Glad Step Trash Can doesn’t have a locking mechanism, but because the lid sits flush in its housing when it’s closed, it’s not possible (without extreme effort) to lift the frame when the lid is closed, and the soft-close lid means the bin will shut automatically if you let it.
Durability
With a simple construction and only a couple of hinges, there’s little that can break on this trash can, and it’s fairly heavy, which means it should stand up well to medium and even large dogs.
Value
Glad’s step can isn’t the cheapest dog-proof trash can out there, but it’s not the priciest, either. Considering that its main features are the flush-closing lid and higher capacity, it’s well worth giving a try, especially for families that need a higher-capacity trash bin than what they have now.
Pros
- Extra-large capacity that takes 20-gallon trash bags, reducing the number of trips to outdoor trash cans
- Trash can lid sits flush in housing when closed and doesn’t allow the lid frame to flip open if the lid is closed
- Comes with rear bag compartment as part of lid assembly that allows storage of additional garbage bags, which could be a big space saver in many households
- Soft-close lid keeps trash from being out in the open
Cons
- Added capacity over most models, which are about 13 gallons, comes at a price, making it more difficult to find a good spot for this bin
- Many people will need a bin that fits tightly against a wall, and the bag compartment prevents that with this unit
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The sleek, modern look of this double bin means you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics to be environmentally responsible.
Quick Facts
- Capacity: 16 gallons
- Opening Mechanism: Step
Sturdiness
At just over 27 pounds, this is one of the heaviest units included in our review, and it feels incredibly solid and stable when stepping on the pedals or lifting a bin out for emptying or inserting a new bag.
Ease of Use
While the inner bins are fully removable, when they are covered in a bag or liner, it can take some additional effort and aligning of bags within the dual-chamber bin to get the lids to sit flush.
Security
As mentioned, if bags or liners aren’t positioned perfectly, it’s possible for the lids to remain slightly open, which can cause enticing garbage smells to make their way to your completely innocent dog.
Durability
With few moving parts, this solidly built and heavy trash/recycling bin should stand up to the wear and tear of a typical kitchen and medium- to large-sized dogs.
Value
The price of this can is on the higher end of the spectrum, and with a relatively limited set of unique features, this is perhaps best for families that have tried other dual-chamber trash can options that their dogs have easily foiled.
Pros
- Allows side-by-side disposal of trash and recycling
- Inside bins can be removed entirely for easy cleaning
- Sturdy build makes for heavy unit, which can be difficult for a dog to topple
Cons
- Inserting and removing trash bags is difficult and will require some trial-and-error
- Depending on the thickness of the bag, the lid may not sit flush in bagged bins
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: With several stylish color options, the iTouchless Step Trash Can will fit into many types of home décor, and a unique activated-carbon filter can help reduce odors that entice pets to make bad decisions.
Quick Facts
- Capacity: 13.2 gallons
- Opening Mechanism: Step
Sturdiness
The iTouchless Step Trash Can is steady on the ground, but it’s one of the lighter stainless-steel models we looked at, and medium-sized to large dogs may be able to get the best of it.
Ease of Use
A simple step mechanism and fully removable inner bin make day-to-day operations easy.
Security
The lack of any type of locking mechanism combined with a light weight for a metal trash can could leave this bin vulnerable to medium and large dogs.
Durability
With few moving parts beyond hinges, there aren’t many places where this trash can would be prone to malfunction. But without a locking mechanism, it could be possible for a dog (or even a clumsy person) to knock the can over and damage it.
Value
At a high price point for a single-barrel step can, especially odor-conscious consumers may find the included carbon-activated filter worth the money, and the unit is attractive enough to justify a splurge.
Pros
- Activated-carbon odor filter included on lid helps reduce food-based odors
- Several finish options, including multiple colors
- Inner bucket can be removed completely, allowing for easy cleaning in the event of a leak
Cons
- Lack of locking mechanism and relatively low weight mean this trash bin could be vulnerable to medium-sized and larger dogs
- High price point considering the only unique feature is an odor filter
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: Tramontina’s Step Trash Can has the feel of a very high-quality product with solid construction and simple-but-effective operation.
Quick Facts
- Capacity: 13 gallons
- Opening Mechanism: Step
Sturdiness
The build quality of Tramontina’s Step Trash Can is high, and the product feels very sturdy, whether you’re stepping on the pedal to open it or reaching inside to take the bag or liner out. That said, among cans this size, it’s one of the lightest, which could make it easy to knock around.
Ease of Use
The fully removable inner bin is easy to lift out and clean, and it accommodates standard 13-gallon drawstring trash bags while concealing the bag from view when closed.
Security
Tramontina’s step can does not have a lock, and it does not close completely to the prying nose of an interested dog. Still, the lid is solid, and an included odor-control system could make it less enticing for your pet.
Durability
This is a relatively lightweight unit, which you’ll appreciate if you need to move it to a new location. But if you’ve got a large dog, the 14-pound weight of this bin wouldn’t be much of a challenge.
Value
For families who aren’t concerned about their dogs being able to lift a lid with their nose, this is an excellent option. It’s not the cheapest or the most expensive, and it’s an attractive and compact unit that takes standard tall kitchen bags.
Pros
- Solid build and elegant design make unit feel substantial
- Inner bucket is fully removable for deep cleaning
- Inside of unit includes slot for deodorizer, which could help keep interested pups from smelling the trash inside
Cons
- No locking mechanism
- Lightweight construction makes for easily turned over can in homes with bigger dogs
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The iTouchless Sensor Trash Can doesn’t require to you push, step, or press on anything to open it. A simple wave of your hand opens the lid, and an included odor filter could be ideal for families with dogs that are especially food obsessed.
Quick Facts
- Capacity: 13 gallons
- Opening Mechanism: Sensor
Sturdiness
The iTouchless Sensor Trash Can is largely a solidly built and stable unit, but the lid and assembly are plastic, which can give the appearance of a cheap unit overall.
Ease of Use
With a wave of your hand, the lid to this trash can opens, and it closes itself again when you’re done. Replacing bags is easy, and the trash bin takes standard 13-gallon tall kitchen bags.
Security
While there’s no lock, the lid doesn’t raise without some interaction. That said, family members will need some time to get used to the sensitivity of the motion sensor, which can become activated unintentionally with the right movement near the trash bin.
Durability
As the most technologically advanced unit we reviewed, the iTouchless Sensor Trash Can has lots of pieces and parts that can fail, including the sensor itself, and it requires batteries or an AC adapter to function, providing more potential failure points.
Value
This sensor-based can is quite inexpensive for an automatic unit like this, so families that want to embrace futuristic functionality should consider this a decent option.
Pros
- Motion-activated lid eliminates need to push or press on anything
- Stylish, futuristic aesthetic
- Includes activated-carbon filter in lid
Cons
- Lid is not lockable and can be opened inadvertently
- Requires AC adapter or batteries that must be purchased separately
The World of Dog-Proof Trash Cans
The ideal product to keep your dog out of the trash will be based on certain unique aspects of your dog’s size, breed, and personality as well as your family and lifestyle, in addition to features of various dog-proof trash can options.
Here we explain how a dog-proof trash can relates to your family’s needs, how we chose our favorites, and answer some FAQs.
Your Home and Family
Location
Deciding where the can will be situated in your home — whether a kitchen, bathroom, office, bedroom, or other space — will guide many of the other decisions you make. That said, for most people, kitchen and bathroom trash cans will be the biggest targets for replacing existing bins with dog-proof ones. An additional factor for kitchen trash cans is deciding if the bin could or should be placed inside a lower kitchen cabinet, though not all homes can be retrofit for this type of receptacle.
Trash Can Size
Deciding where the can will be placed will eliminate certain products based on their overall capacity. For example, the space available for a trash can in your kitchen is probably quite different from what’s in your bathroom. Generally, kitchen trash cans have a capacity of about 13 gallons, while bathroom trash cans usually have a total capacity of closer to 1.2 gallons.
Types of Trash
What you’re throwing away is another primary consideration, and this may depend on where the can is located as well. Bathroom trash cans are more likely to hold tissues and other toiletry refuse, while kitchen trash cans tend to hold food waste. Not all dog-proof trash cans are designed to accept bags or liners, so if the garbage you’re tossing is wet or messy, be sure to narrow your focus to bins that are meant to have bags or liners inside them. Otherwise, you may find yourself frequently needing to wash the inside of the garbage bin.
Dog Behavior
Understanding your dog’s behavior is important in making a good decision about which dog-proof trash can to purchase. Is your furry friend drawn to all types of trash or only specific scents? If Fido is into garbage of all types, then you probably should consider dog-proof cans for every room of your house; if only human food is what drives them, then narrow your focus to kitchen bins. Your family’s behavior could be a factor as well. If your dog is frequently left alone and given access to rooms with trash cans, their bad habit could be a result of anxiety and not actually related to what’s inside the trash at all.
Other Family Members
Pet parents who are also human parents will probably need to pick trash cans that are also small child-proof. This could mean selecting a tall can that is out of the reach not only of your dog’s nose but also your toddler’s quick hands. Parents of teens who want to establish responsible environmental practices could consider a double-duty bin that holds regular trash and has a separate barrel for recycling.
Selection Criteria Explained and Extra Features
This is selection criteria we used up top explained in more detail, as well as going over some extra features to consider.
Sturdiness
A solid build is important for any trash can, and it’s crucial when choosing a dog-proof bin. This is especially important for families with large or particularly persistent dogs prone to tipping trash bins over to get to the good stuff inside.
Opening Mechanism
This is largely a matter of personal taste, but trash cans that are most successful in keeping dogs out of the garbage are ones with lids. That means they must be opened in some way to access the bag or bin inside. These typically come with one of a handful of opening mechanisms, including step, touch, and sensor. Keep in mind that not all dog-proof trash cans need lids. Some families will choose to conceal their kitchen trash inside a lower cabinet, for example, and this may be sufficient to keep their dogs from getting into the garbage. But a motivated dog may still be able to figure out a way to get inside a kitchen cabinet, so even for those who choose an under-counter bin, picking one with a lid may be wise — if they have crafty dogs.
Locking
The logical extension of a trash can with a lid is one with a lid that can be locked to add a layer of security. Most commonly, trash can locks consist of designs like plastic sliding mechanisms, plastic or metal latches, and mechanical seals, with specific designs and materials varying by price.
Ease of Cleaning and Emptying
Preventing a dog from getting inside a trash can in the first place is certainly important, but being able to easily remove the bag or inner bucket and clean out the inside of the can also help ensure there aren’t lingering smells or overflowing waste. Depending on the size and type of trash can, emptying could mean pulling on and removing a drawstring kitchen bag, or it could mean pulling up on the handle of an unlined plastic tub.
Design and Style
Depending on the décor inside your home and your own tastes, a trash can that has elevated design or is made from modern materials may be especially important. For this reason, some families may limit their scope only to dog-proof trash cans that are made of stainless steel, come in multiple color options, or feature a sleek design aesthetic.
Price
The dog-proof trash cans we considered ranged from about $25 to more than $150, and for many people, spending well over $100 for a garbage can isn’t realistic. As with any product, buyers should plan to set an overall maximum budget, think about all the features they want, and be prepared to make trade-offs.
Special Features
Speaking of features, the extreme utility of garbage cans means there’s a huge range of special features that designers and manufacturers build into their products to make them appealing to consumers, and these features tend to be unique to specific brands. For example, some brands have made odor elimination a priority, while others focus on sensor technology. These types of features tend to be something of an X factor that could serve to push one product across the finish line over another.
A trash can seems like a product so simple that it’s hard to imagine finding the choice between dog-proof trash bins a tough deliberation. But the sheer number of options can make this a difficult calculus between features and price, and if you pick a trash can that isn’t actually dog-proof, or at least isn’t dog-proof for your pooch, you could potentially be exposing your pet to serious illness or even death.
FAQ
What Can Happen If My Dog Gets Into the Trash?
To be sure, your dog will — at the very least — make a mess if it gets into your trash. Depending on what’s in the garbage, this could mean a gross cleanup process. But trash is trash for a reason; it’s not good for people or animals to come in physical contact with it.
For dog owners, the biggest concern from dogs chewing up or eating trash is accidental poisoning. In 2019 alone, more than 232,000 pets were poisoned in their homes, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The most common culprits include items that are routinely present in garbage, like discarded medications, food, and household cleaning products.
Do I Really Need a New Trash Can?
Maybe not. Depending on why your dog is getting into the trash, it’s possible his behavior could be related to anxiety, or he could simply need to be trained to stay away from the garbage. Does your dog get into the trash even when there’s nothing in it? That’s a good sign that your problem is related to anxiety or lack of training rather than your dog’s strong desire to get into your discarded avocado peels.
Unfortunately, though, the reality is that some breeds and certain dogs will always be interested in trash regardless of how well-trained they are, and so it may make more sense for you and your pet to replace an open trash can for a more secure one.
What Makes a Trash Can Secure?
You’ll notice that each of the trash cans on this list has at least one thing in common — a lid that closes fully. For some dogs, this may be enough to keep them out of the trash, and if that’s the case for your house, good news, you’ve got tons of great options!
But for most dogs, a lid is probably not going to be enough to keep them from accessing the trash. Even medium-sized dogs are usually tall enough when on their four legs to get their noses underneath the unlocked lid of a small- to medium-sized trash can.
If not a lock, a good dog-proof trash can should have some other mechanism to make it difficult or impossible for a dog to open the lid or knock the trash can over. That could be a lid that sits flush with the top of the can so that there’s no ledge or portion of the lid that’s accessible to the dog’s nose. Or it could mean a can so heavy that your dog can’t knock it over. What’s best for your dog will depend on its size, intellect, and determination to get to the trash.
How Much Should I Spend?
It’s unrealistic to expect to spend much less than $50 to find a dog-proof trash can for your kitchen, though it’s important to note that bathroom cans are smaller and, therefore, less expensive. So if you want to take a trial run on a trash can with a particular mechanism, like a step pedal, consider one that’s designed for bathrooms and see if it helps keep pooch’s nose out of the bathroom garbage. If that works and your disposed tissues go unchewed, consider a larger version of a similar model.
Remember that while it’s wise as a fallback to purchase a dog-proof trash can, it’s well worth your time to work on training your pet to stay away from trash. Most dogs will sometimes be outside of our homes or even outside of our direct supervision from time to time, and it’s not the best idea for a plastic lock to be the only thing separating your beloved best friend from a trip to the emergency veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide has helped you in finding a trash can that keeps the dog far hence. A dog-proof trash can is, in short, a very good standard trash can with the extra durability and features required to keep your beautiful tyro of a dog at bay. Thus, hopefully, giving you peace of mind that he’s healthy and okay, and that your floor doesn’t have yesterdays dinner on it. Enjoy our guide and our list.
