Does your dog like to go through the trash? Do you find them under the table with garbage they found in the kitchen trash can? Are you worried they may eat something they are not supposed to by rummaging through the garbage? If this sounds like your dog, you may want to look into getting a dog proof trash can.
Table of Contents:
| What Is A Dog Proof Trash Can? | |
| Is There Such A Thing As A Dog Proof Trash Can? | |
| What Should I Look For When Choosing A Dog Proof Trash Can? | |
| Types of Dog Proofing | |
| Top Dog Proof Trash Cans |
Related: Using A Diaper Genie For Dog Poop
What Is A Dog Proof Trash Can?
A dog proof trash can is a garbage bin that makes it difficult for your dog to get into it. This can be done several ways:
- A locking mechanism.
- Garbage bin is hidden.
- It has a cover over the top.
- There is a pop up top.
- Motion Sensor.
Is There Such A Thing As A Dog Proof Trash Can?
There are trash cans that are considered “dog proof”, however, nothing is fully dog proof. If your dog is determined enough, they will still be able to access garbage from a dog proof trash can.
What a dog proof trash can does is make it a little bit harder for them to do so by employing the strategies listed above.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Dog Proof Trash Can?
When choosing a dog proof trash can, there are some things you may want to consider.
- Type of Trash Can. There are several types of trash cans available including:
- Foot pedal trash cans.
- Swing top bins.
- Touchless trash cans.
- Open top bins.
When choosing a dog proof trash can, you will want to look at the type of bin available and what makes it “dog proof”.
- Dog Size. You will also want to consider your dog’s size. Are they large enough to knock it over? Are they tall enough to reach the lid on top?
- Material. What is the bin made of? Most are made of either plastic, stainless steel, or wood. Consider your dog as well when choosing the material, especially if they like to chew. Chewers will be able to get through plastic and wood.
- Bin Size. Choose a trash can that will fit in the area you wish to put it and can hold the amount of trash you tend to accumulate.
- Dog Proof. A determined dog will still be able to get into a “dog proof” trash can. It is up to you to choose the one that will make it harder for them to do so.
Types of Dog Proofing
Let’s go over each type of dog proofing available and the pros and cons of each: a locking mechanism, a hidden garbage bin, covered trash can, pop up top, and a motion sensor.
Locking Mechanism
Some trash cans claim to be dog proof by having a locking mechanism on the lid of the bin. This prevents your dog from opening the top of the can to get to the garbage.
Pros:
- Dog is not able to open the top.
Cons:
- Dogs can knock over the trash can and chew on the lid to get it off.
- You have to remember to unlock the lid when you want to throw something away and then remember to lock it again afterwards.
If your dog is a chewer, this type of trash bin may not be for you, as they tend to be made of plastic.
Hidden Garbage Bin
This is actually a cabinet that holds your garbage bin. You open up the cabinet to throw something away and close it when you are done. This pretty much eliminates the possibility of your dog getting into the garbage, unless they know how to open cabinets. If this is the case for your dog, a safety lock may help with that.
Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing.
- Blends into decor.
- Hides garbage can from your dog’s view, and therefore, the temptation to go through it.
Cons:
- Can be expensive. May be too big for the space you want to put it in.
Covered Trash Can
This type of trash can fits inside a wooden exterior and has a cover on top to prevent your dog from getting into it.
Pros:
- Looks nice.
- Cover prevents your dog from looking through the trash.
Cons:
- Can be heavy.
- May be too large for the area you want to put it.
- Dogs can knock it over and the lid will come off.
Pop Up Top
Some trash cans have a pop up top. In this case, the lid is flat on the can and you press down on the lid for it to open.
Pros:
- Seals in the garbage.
- Dog would have to be strong enough to press down on the lid to get it to open.
Cons:
- Dogs can knock it over to get the lid off.
- Some dogs may learn how to press on the top to open it.
Motion Sensor
A motion sensor trash can is a touchless trash can. The lid is flush with the top of the bin and motion from you opens it.
Pros:
- If it comes with a lock, it offers extra protection against your dog getting into the trash.
Cons:
- Tall dogs may be able to set off the motion sensor with their tails.
Top Dog Proof Trash Cans
Here are 5 top rated dog proof trash cans. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Best Trash Can Cabinet
Peaceful Classics Trash Bin Cabinet
This cabinet is made of wood and comes with an optional drawer. It is water resistant and weighs enough that your dog may have difficulty knocking it over. This is not good if your dog is exceptionally strong and can knock this over or if they are able to open cabinets.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Can choose to have a storage drawer or not.
- Made of pine wood.
- Bottom swings out to store your garbage can.
- Water resistant.
- Weighs 45 pounds.
- Measures 21.5 x 12.75 x 34 inches.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Push Top Trash Can
Brabantia Kitchen Touch Trash Can
This trash bin comes in multiple colors and has a detachable lid. This is not good for dogs who like to knock over trash cans or those that are smart enough to figure out how to press on the top to get it to open.
- Various sizes.
- Comes in multiple colors.
- Detachable lids.
- Soft touch opening mechanism.
- Made of steel.
- Rim on bottom to protect flooring.
- Made in the Netherlands.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Touchless Trash Can
iTouchless 13 Gallon Pet-Proof Sensor Trash Can
This trash can uses a sensor to open to allow you to throw out your garbage. This also has a pet lock for added protection. This is not good for dogs that may be able to use their tails to activate the sensor.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Made of stainless steel.
- Odor control system with an activated charcoal filter.
- Additional odor control filters are sold separately.
- Fingerprint proof.
- Contains a pet lock to prevent dogs from opening the lid.
- Sensor activated lid.
- Lid has a stay open mode.
- Operates on batteries or an AC adapter which is sold separately.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Trash Can With A Locking Lid
Simple Human Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Lock
This trash can has a lock on it to prevent your dog from rummaging through the garbage. This type of can is not good for dogs that like to chew as it is made of plastic.
- Available in multiple colors.
- 13 gallon capacity.
- Also available in a 10 gallon slim design.
- Made of plastic.
- Silent close lid.
- Slide lock.
- Lid can stay open for as long as you need.
- Step on to open.
- Measures 18.7 x 14.4 x 26.2 inches.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Covered Trash Can
Jeroal Wood Kitchen Trash Can
This trash can is waterproof and easily cleaned. It is not good for chewers that prefer wood.
- 13 gallon capacity.
- Non-toxic.
- Rust proof.
- Fingerprint proof.
- Polished.
- Clean with a rag.
- Waterproof.
- Measures: 16 x 13 x 26.5 inches.
Check Price At: Amazon
As you can see, there are several options available if you are in the market for a dog proof trash can. For a dog proof trash can to be truly dog proof, it doesn’t need to keep all dogs out of the garbage, just yours. You may need to try different types to find one that is dog proof enough for your dog, plus fits your trash needs. Good luck!
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.