We offer complete and gentle grooming services Monday through Saturday. This includes stylish clips/trims with a soothing bath using a variety of all natural products, such as flea treatments, whiteners, and conditioning oatmeal. 

Tips for Moving With Pets

Consider these tips to minimize stress when moving your pet to a new home.

Moving? Let’s be honest; moving is stressful. But, imagine if you can’t read, understand all of the chatter around you and all you see is the chaos of boxes, your home in an upheaval and stressed out humans everywhere. Sounds even more stressful, right? That’s why it is vital to look after your pets during the moving process.

Here are 10 ways you can prepare your pet for a move:

1. Become familiar with pet rules and regulations

Landlords and homeowners’ associations may have specific pet rules. Your pet may need additional vaccinations, medications or certain certificates depending on where you are moving. A call to the local animal control facility should answer your questions.

2. Talk to your current vet

Your veterinarian is a great resource. If you have an animal that dislikes traveling, your vet can suggest behavior modification techniques or medication that can make traveling less stressful for your pet. When talking to your vet, also discuss micro-chipping.

3. Find a new vet

Find a new veterinarian in your new area before moving day. Your current vet may be able to make recommendations for colleagues he or she knows in your new area. When finding a new vet, it is recommended to set up an appointment as soon as you move in order to get established.

4. Get your pet's medical records

Before you leave your old home, make sure you get a copy of all of your pet’s medical records to give to your new vet and be sure to find the closest emergency animal hospital and keep that phone number handy.

5. Update your address

Don’t forget to have new identification tags with your new address and phone number made for your pet’s collar, and if your pet has an identification microchip, remember to update your contact information in the database.

6. Keep things normal

Instead of pulling an all-nighter to pack, try to pack over a long period of time so that your pet thinks everything is normal. This will keep their stress level down. If you are moving with cats, it can help to bring out their carriers out a few a weeks before the move. Don’t pack the food away! Keep your pet’s food, water, bowls, medication and any other important supplies (like that favorite squeaky toy) off the moving truck and with you.

7. Know where your pet will be on moving day

During the actual moving day, where boxes and furniture are being moved, pets should be removed. Find a friend who wouldn’t mind pet sitting or find a place away from all the noise of moving such as a doggy day care or cat care center. If you can visit them during a spare moment, it can help reassure the pets that nothing is going on. Keeping pets locked away in a room during moving day can make them anxious from all the noise and new people that might be in your home. If you must keep them locked away, find a quiet room, water bowl and put a HUGE sign on the door.

8. Travel with your pet

Unless your move is long distance or international, your pet will likely be traveling by car with you nearby. By driving them yourself, you can care for them and give them a sense of familiarity as they move. To prepare your pet for this trip, drive for short distances with your pet to prepare them before the final move. Also, remember to plan ahead for any special carriers your pets may need for transportation. There are even special seat belts for large dogs.

9. Be prepared for air travel

If you are moving your pet by air or internationally, check all rules and regulations far ahead of the day you plan to leave and remember to keep your pet’s special documentation at hand.

10. After moving day, don’t let pets roam around the neighborhood until they are acclimated

Take them out on a leash to explore their new territory and show them how to get home. If you let them out in a new place right away, they might get lost or run away due to stress. Make sure your pet’s new identification tags are secured to their collar.

Now snuggle up with your furry friend and enjoy the new home!

Weird Dog Behaviors Explained

We’d like to think we have dogs all figured out, but some of their behaviors are baffling. For instance, we humans do not lie on each other’s feet, and we don’t shred paper with our mouths. So why do dogs? Thankfully, animal behaviorists and other experts have decoded some of these mysterious habits.

Here, are five strange canine habits and what they mean...

The Truth Behind Your Dog's Strange Habits

Kicks Grass After Pooping

Your dog isn’t intentionally destroying your lawn when he kicks the grass after pooping; he’s probably just trying to cover up his mess. He also could be marking his territory. Dogs have glands in their feet that secrete hormones, and a few kicks can help release those chemicals. Still, if you want your yard to be in better shape, try walking him somewhere else to go potty.

Leans on You

Some dog owners can hardly sit or stand without their canine leaning against their legs or standing on their feet. You may have heard that this behavior is a sign that your dog is trying to dominate you with his weight, but that’s merely a myth. Leaning is actually a sign of affection for many dogs. It’s a way for your pup to cuddle and get attention from his favorite human. So next time your pup leans on your legs, smile and show him some love.




Shreds Paper

Ever come home to find a room covered in toilet paper confetti? Has your dog actually eaten your homework for real? Well, you’ve got a canine paper shredder on your hands. And the reason all your favorite paperbacks are ruined is simple: Shredding paper can be fun. Some dogs just enjoy the feeling of tearing something up with their mouths. After all, in the wild, dogs often tear up their prey. Beyond the fact that cleaning up this sort of mess gets old really fast, this behavior can actually be dangerous. Dogs who swallow paper can have digestive issues, and ingesting too much paper can cause an intestinal blockage. So keep paper products out of your dog’s reach and redirect the behavior by giving him a toy to chew on, like a stuffed Kong or food puzzle.

.Twitches in His Sleep

Your dog is sound asleep, but he starts moving his legs and perhaps barks a little bit. What gives? Is he chasing something in his dreams? Actually, yes, he might be doing exactly that. Just like humans,dogs dream and go through different stages of sleep. Animal experts think that dogs dream during the REM (rapid eye movement) stage and act on their dreams by moving their paws or twitching as if they were chasing a squirrel. For unknown reasons, puppies and senior dogs seem to exhibit this behavior more than adult dogs. While it can be startling to see your dog moving in his sleep, it’s usually nothing to worry about. If you want to wake him, gently call his name — or better yet, just let him sleep.



Buries Bones and Other Objects

You can go ahead and blame wolves and other wild canine ancestors for all the holes in your yard filled with treats, toys and other treasured objects. In the wild, a wolf may not know when his next substantial meal is coming, so he’ll bury the prey or prized food item and dig it up later when he needs to eat. Similarly, your dog may place high value on a treat or toy, and decide that he needs to hide it so he can enjoy it later.

Dogs and Babies

Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby

When you bring a new baby home, your dog will face an overwhelming number of novel sights, sounds and smells. She may find some of them upsetting, especially if she didn’t have opportunities to spend time with children as a puppy. You’ll drastically alter your daily routine, so your dog’s schedule will change, too. And, out of necessity, she’ll get less of your time and attention. It may be a difficult time for her, especially if she’s been the “only child” for a while.

To make things go as smoothly as possible for everyone, it’s important to take some time to prepare your dog for the arrival of your new addition. In the months before the baby comes, you’ll focus on two things:

• Teaching your dog the skills she’ll need to interact safely with her new family member
• Helping your dog adjust to the many new experiences and changes ahead

Continue to aspca.org to read full article

Common Home Repair Dangers for Pets

Before you start scraping, painting and drilling, brush up on these common home fixer-upper dangers and learn how to protect your pet. If you suspect your pet has ingested any of the substances listed below, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.

Beware These Fixer Upper Dangers

Old Lead Paint

Lead isn’t just a hazard for humans; it can be very toxic for animals, too. If your home was built before 1978, it’s imperative to test for lead paint before doing any type of paint scraping or sanding. Lead paint can flake and turn into dust and be ingested by pets grooming themselves. Signs of lead poisoning include incoordination, muscle tremors, seizures and death. You can purchase a lead testing kit at your local hardware store. If your home does test positive for lead paint, consider hiring a certified lead-abatement contractor to get rid of it. You could try to remove it yourself using the EPA's guidelines, but you’re better off leaving it to the pros.

Current Paint, Stain and Varnish Products

Most paints, varnishes and stains are water based and will cause only vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. If your pet gets one of these water-based products on his fur, remove it with soap and water. If the product is oil based, let it dry and then clip or cut it off. You will need to prevent your pet from attempting to lick the paint while it dries. Put an E-collar on your pup if you happen to have one at home. If you cannot stop your dog from licking the area, however, and you can easily bathe your pet, use a mild dish detergent to try and remove as much as you can. Clip or cut any remaining residue out of his fur once it dries. Never use paint thinners, mineral spirits or turpentine to remove paint from your dog or cat. These products can cause pain and chemical burns.

Spackle

Spackle can be a tempting treat for dogs — both when it’s wet and after it dries. Accidental ingestion can cause vomiting, but the biggest risk factor is gastrointestinal obstruction. Large pieces may not be able to pass through the digestive tract and may require surgical removal. Some spackle contains ethylene glycol, the same toxic chemical found in antifreeze, but, thankfully, the amount is very low. Unless you have a small pet or your animal eats an entire container, the ethylene glycol shouldn’t cause any problems. If your pet is vomiting repeatedly or seems “drunk,” contact your veterinarian immediately.

Tile Adhesives, Spray Foam Insulation and Polyurethane Glues

These products can contain isocyanates, compounds that expand in the stomach if ingested, and can form large foreign bodies that have to be surgically removed. If your pet ingests one of these products, see your veterinarian right away. 

Fiberglass Insulation

It may look like cotton candy, but if your pet ingests fiberglass insulation, it can cause mouth irritation and gastrointestinal obstruction, because of the fiberglass it contains. If your dog or cat rubs up against the insulation, bathe him immediately to remove all the fibers. But make sure you’re wearing gloves — insulation fibers can be very irritating to skin.

Project By-Products

Curious pets may try to ingest the leftover substances from your home repair projects, such as sawdust or drywall pieces. If ingested in large quantities, your animal’s electrolyte balance can start having problems, which may require intravenous therapy to correct. Plus, ingestion of leftover pieces can also potentially lead to gastrointestinal blockage, which may require surgery.

Power Tools

If you’re using power tools, make sure your pets are contained. Curious dogs and cats may hear the whir of a drill or the buzz of a saw, go to investigate and get too close to dangerous moving parts.

One of the best ways to help keep your pet safe from these dangers is to keep him away from your work area. You may need to close a door or put up a baby gate. If that's not possible, consider boarding your pet at a kennel or with a friend or family member until your home repair project is complete.

House Cleaning with Pets

Keeping a clean house is possible — even with pets — if you groom them regularly and remain proactive with house cleaning.

Having a clean house when you have a dog, cat or other pet might seem like the ultimate oxymoron.
For those of us with furry friends, another level of difficulty is added to our daily and weekly house cleaning routines. Follow these easy tips to battle the inevitable chores that come along with our beloved four-legged friends.

Start with house cleaning basics

While this may seem like a training and grooming guide for a moment, these basic tips will truly help in keeping your household cleaning tasks manageable.

1. Consistently comb your pets. Loose pet hair can quickly turn into tumbleweeds in every room. Add forced-air heat or A/C to the mix, and it’s a recipe for disaster.
2. Use a crate or a special pet area for sleeping and relaxing. Keeping your pets off your furniture may be tough at first, but this is a great training technique and also helps prevent everyday pet messes.
3. Designate an eating spot for easy clean up.
4. Have an area to clean paws after being outdoors.
5. Keep any rooms closed off that are not pet-friendly or that your furry friend does not need to be in.

Lilies & Hibiscus Poisonous to Pets

All members of the lily family are toxic to cats.

Not all plants are pet friendly.

Many of the plants we use to decorate our garden and homes can be poisonous, even deadly for our pets. Ivies, palms, dieffenbachia, weeping fig, schefflera, clivia, philodendron and Norfolk Island pine are just a few.

But one stands at the top of the list for being fatal to cats. Just a tiny amount of lily pollen, leaf or flower causes kidney failure in cats, which frequently causes death. If a cat walks by a vase of cut flowers that contains lilies and pollen falls on its fur, the cat risks poisoning when it grooms itself.

One of the first signs of toxins in the system is a lack of eating. Usually within 48 hours of exposure, a cat will stop eating as the kidneys shut down. Not all cats die, but the care can be intensive.

In 2011, the ASPCA reported 1,750 calls about plant poisonings to its Animal Poison Control Center. The top culprits included peace lily, dracaena, philodendron, Easter lily, euphorbia, aloe vera, jade plants and mother-in-law tongue.

Both dogs and cats will eat plants, but plants are much higher on the list for cats than dogs, who are more fond of pills and food products.

Hibiscus can be a serious problem, too, including the tropical hibiscus, which is a popular houseplant. After ingesting hibiscus, a dog will vomit persistently, may vomit blood and have bloody diarrhea. The loss of body fluid may be severe enough to be lethal in some cases.

Caring for Your Senior Dog

When calculating dog years to human years, remember dogs age much faster and require senior care sooner.

We’ve all heard that one year for a dog equals seven human years. While larger dogs age faster than small ones, this equation is roughly true.

When you begin to look at your 7-year-old faithful friend as a 50-year-old, it may help you be more proactive about her health needs. Adult dogs less than 7 years old should go to the veterinarian annually. Once your dog reaches 7 (or 50 in human years), take her to the veterinarian every six months to catch age-related problems before they become serious.

These visits should involve a thorough physical exam, including blood tests, as well as a discussion of your dog’s lifestyle, diet and any changes in behavior you may have noticed.

Dogs can’t tell us where it hurts

Animals can't talk to tell us how they are feeling as they age. Unlike their human family members, they don't compare ailments with those of other dogs and realize they are less healthy than their peers. Dogs are adept at hiding symptoms of weakness. It is very common during a physical exam for a veterinarian to find medical problems of which even the most conscientious owner was unaware.

For older pets, screening blood work and other diagnostic tests become important in addition to a good exam. Studies indicate almost 25-percent of senior dogs that appear healthy upon physical examination have an underlying disease. Visits to the veterinarian every six months can markedly increase the chances of early diagnosis and, ultimately, successful treatment.

Sometimes your elderly dog does act sick

As dogs age, they may begin to develop decreased kidney, liver or heart function. Endocrine diseases like diabetes, hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can arise, causing decreased resistance to infections. Dogs are also susceptible to a variety of cancers, including bone cancer and internal liver and splenic cancer.

Signs of disease can include obvious illness like vomiting, diarrhea, coughing or sneezing, but changes may also be subtle, like drinking more water, occasional accidents in the house, increased pickiness about food or a reluctance to go on walks. Some sick dogs may become increasingly needy and anxious.

For your older pet, any change in normal behavior is a reason to contact your veterinarian. An exam with bloodwork, urinalysis and fecal check for parasites — considered the minimum database for dogs — may reveal the problem. Based on that initial workup, your veterinarian may recommend additional tests like blood pressure, X-rays or an ultrasound to screen for cancer.

Healthy weight and teeth extend your dog’s life

Like humans, dogs often experience slow but steady weight gain as they age. Obesity-linked disorders — such as ligament tears and ruptures, arthritis, decreased mobility and respiratory compromise — affect older dogs’ quality of life.

In general, thinner is better. Studies indicate thinner dogs live an average of two years longer than their overweight peers. You can best accomplish an ideal weight by controlling the amount fed and exercising routinely, habits preferably begun while your dog is still young.

Many adult dogs also suffer from significant dental disease. Pets are not healthy unless their teeth are healthy. Periodontal disease undermines overall health, and the average dog receiving good dental care lives 10- to 20-percent longer.

Get in the habit of brushing your young dog’s teeth. Dental cleaning with sedation as recommended by your veterinarian is also important. Remember: Bad breath is not normal for a dog. It is a symptom of disease. Preventative tooth care is paramount to improving your older dog’s health.

Simple steps to prevent old dog problems

For pups and people, aging and the changes that accompany it are inevitable. Help your senior dog live longer by scheduling veterinarian checkups every six months, keeping him thin and active and keeping his teeth clean. These are things you can do to help your dog live the longest, healthiest life possible.

Do you have special home and veterinary care regimens worked out for your senior dog? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Don't Make These Dog Park Etiquette Mistakes...

Dog parks provide a wonderful escape for both pups and their owners. Dogs can roll in the grass, follow new smells, and greet each other to their hearts’ content, while humans can meet fellow dog-lovers and look on as their pups get properly tired out. For a successful trip to your neighborhood dog park, here are a few simple tips to follow.

1. Bringing an unsocialized dog.
Before packing for the park, ask yourself: is my dog ready to make friends? It’s important that your dog is comfortable around other pooches and well socialized, especially if he’s going to be off leash. Once you’re at the park, watch his behavior closely to avoid any bullying or aggressive behavior.

2. Not being the boss.
Both you and your pup should practice some basic obedience cues like “come,” “stay,” and “leave it” before heading to the park. Having these commands locked and loaded will come in handy when you’re in a noisy, exciting environment like a dog park.

3. Putting your dog on the wrong side of the fence.
Most parks have a large dog side and a small dog side, do your best to enter the side your pup is best suited for. Discourage your dog from stealing fellow pups’ toys, and nip any roughhousing in the bud. If your dog is large, make sure he plays gently with smaller dogs; if he’s a little guy, keep an eye on him when he’s around larger pups that could potentially trample him. Beyond being a polite owner, this ensures your dog is setting a good example for his fellow canines.

4. Not protecting your pet.
To prevent the spread of disease, your pooch should be up-to-date on her vaccinations before interacting with other furry friends. Be sure to regularly apply flea medicines and to check your dog for fleas right after going to the dog park. Be sure your dog is spayed or neutered, too, to sidestep any too-friendly encounters.

5. Not cleaning up after your dog.
This one should be a no-brainer, but it bears repeating: after your dog does his business, clean it up and dispose of it in the proper container. The last thing anyone needs is to have pups running circles through piles of dog doo doo.

How to Avoid Doggy Cabin Fever

Being cooped up inside due to the cold is no fun for humans, so imagine how difficult it is for dogs! Luckily, you can combat canine cabin fever with some simple indoor games. These activities will help keep your pup alert and mentally active all season long, and strengthen your special bond to boot.

Sniff to Success
A dog’s sense of smell is one of his most powerful attributes. Play into your pup’s scenting skills by creating a treat-finding game. Stack boxes, cushions, and other pet-safe objects to make an obstacle course. Then, hide the goodies in a hard-to-locate spot, and watch Sparky sniff away. He’ll love the challenge—not to mention the tasty reward!

Build Snout-Eye Coordination
Remember those ring-stacking toys you had as a kid? They provide an equally fun activity for dogs! First, find a set of rings made of naturally dyed wood, in the appropriate size for your particular pup. Then, begin teaching the dog how to stack the rings. Reward him whenever he picks up a ring, and as he moves it closer to the post. Save the highest praise (and favorite treats) for when he successfully places the ring on the post, and he’ll have the process down in no time. This particular game requires some extra time and patience to learn, but the mental benefits it provides for your pooch make it well worth the effort.

Slow Things Down
The next time you’re playing fetch with Fido, try changing up the pace. Move the toy deliberately, with slower, more focused movements. This challenges the dog to anticipate your gestures in a different way, helping to tire him mentally. It’s the perfect way to keep his brain sharp during the lazy winter months.

Pick a Paw
This is a simple, no-frills activity that’s perfect for indoor entertainment. Hide a treat in one of your hands. Put both of your hands in front of you, and wait until the dog “chooses” a hand with her nose or a paw. Continue until she successfully picks the hand with the treat.

Make Mealtimes Playtime
Your dog’s mental training can continue even when you’re not around. Consider investing in an interactive feeder. These come in a variety of formats, from simple spiral dishes to more complex puzzle boxes, but all of them encourage the dog to paw, lick, and problem-solve to reach the food. You’ll come home to a pooch who is both full and mentally stimulated.

PSA: After Christmas "Re-Homing" Boom

In about 4-12 weeks, we are going to be seeing the "We need to re-home our pet" posts. These are the folks who purchased puppies / kittens as Christmas gifts who are suddenly allergic, moving, having a baby, don't have time, their kids won't take care of it, didn't think they'd get so big (etc...).

To those people I say:
You didn't know you had an allergy? Oops. Don't let the pet suffer. Get allergy medicine.

You're moving? What city are you moving to that doesn't allow dogs? Bullcrapville? Find a house / apartment / condo that will ALLOW your family member. Period.

Oh... you had NO idea you were due to have a baby in 2 months? Interesting. Get a dog trainer.

Don't have time for ONE 15 min walk or to have a dog just sit next to you while you're home? Really? So they're better off in a shelter than waiting in your house for you to get home? Ok... get another dog to keep them company.

Oh... you mean your 5 year old didn't step up to the plate to feed, walk and scoop poop? And this surprised you? I guess it's time for YOU to step up and model responsibility for your child.

Wrong size? Not cute as an adult? Not quite the personality you expected? Look in a mirror. How'd YOU turn out? Should we send you back?

Sigh.... sorry.

But these are the excuses (among others) that rescuers hear after the "new puppy" excitement wears off and they need the pet out ASAP. Well... guess who suffers? Shelters are FULL... rescues are FULL... if you take responsibility for an animal, that is a lifetime commitment and if you are the 1% who actually has a good reason for not being able to keep this commitment and you MUST re-home the animal (life threatening allergy etc...) then PLEASE keep it and care for it until a no kill rescue has room or until you research / find a BETTER home than you were.

Thank you.
(Steps off soap box)

Why is my dog a "runner"?

What does it mean when your dog tries to bolt from you the very second a door opens? If a friend did that, by the third time you might check your breath. But your pup doesn't care about your breath. So why does he do that?

Sharon Crowell-Davis, DVM, DACVB, professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia, says your dog is likely telling you something about himself. “When dogs run off, it could mean they’re really not happy at home. It's not necessarily that they have a bad home life, but as a species, the majority of dogs are curious and want to be active and explore and discover,” she explains. “If you only take them out to potty and for a 10-minute walk, dogs may run off simply to seek activity and stimulation.”

Not All Dogs Run

Of course, not every dog is a runner. Some dogs within the same household can have very different reactions to an opportunity to run free. Dr. Crowell-Davis attributes this to a number of things, including variations in temperament. In the same way some people are homebodies, some dogs prefer the familiarity and comfort of home. Certain breeds also find their physique a barrier to becoming escape artists. Bulldogs, for instance, are unable to run fast and are not going to have much of an opportunity to take off, Dr. Crowell-Davis says. “But more likely it depends on early experience and how the dog is raised,” she adds. “Good socialization in puppies produces a puppy that is comfortable with the world and comfortable going out and exploring it.” Conversely, puppies living in a barren environment could become timid because of a lack of exposure to the world.

Spice It Up at Home

So how can you keep the normal adventure-seeking qualities in your pup from getting him into trouble? One way is to provide an appropriately fun home environment, Dr. Crowell-Davis suggests. Good long walks provide mental as well as physical exercise, and stimulating toys like puzzle food toys are going to improve your dog’s quality of life and, therefore, make him more interested in staying at home.

In addition to making home more attractive, Dr. Crowell-Davis stresses the importance of teaching your dog proper recalls. Getting your dog to come when called rather than running off is part of puppy socialization training, and even older dogs can learn to come when called, but it takes practice.

Getting Your Dog Recall Ready

“You should give your dog a really good reason to come to you,” Dr. Crowell-Davis says. And make sure every time he comes when called he gets a delicious treat and lots of praise, even if he doesn't respond immediately. “One common mistake dog owners make is getting angry if they call their dog and the dog doesn’t come immediately," she says. "When the dog finally comes to them or they catch the dog, they proceed to punish him.” Even verbally reprimanding the dog teaches the dog that if you come or allow yourself to get caught, bad things will happen. “So the next time the owner calls the dog, the dog is less likely to come, and it can become a vicious cycle," she explains. "But even one incident when you punish your dog for not being good on recalls — that’s going to make the situation even worse.”

Dr. Crowell-Davis knows firsthand the effects of good recall training. She adopted a rescue who got out of the house off-leash and ran off, ignoring Dr. Crowell-Davis’ calls. When she finally cornered the pup, who was crouched down to the ground with her ears pinned back and her tail tucked, Dr. Crowell-Davis “could tell she was expecting some sort of physical punishment.” Instead, Dr. Crowell-Davis praised the dog, hugged and petted her, and told her she was “a great dog for getting caught.” She then took her pup home and gave her some of her favorite food. “That was the start of her learning that ‘Hey, with this family, when you come back you get hugs and petting and really good food,’” Dr. Crowell-Davis says. “And that is the lesson to teach your dogs to get them to come back.”

Cold Weather Pet Care

Whether your family loves to play in the snow or prefers to stay inside by the fireplace, we can’t always avoid braving the elements with our pets in tow.

Check out this cold weather infographic for tips to keep your pets safe and warm this winter:

Stopping Doggie Dumpster Diving

There are several things you can do to help keep your dog out of the trash.

1. Hide the can. This is the best and easiest method. Do not leave temptation out. Put the trash can in a cupboard or pantry. If your dog has learned to open cupboards, use a child lock.
2. Contain the trash. Use a trash can with a tight lid that stays on even when your dog knocks it over. Modern trash cans with motion sensors that automatically open the lid won't do. Nor will trash cans with step pedals or swinging lids. Dogs have gotten their heads stuck through swing lids, and if a can is heavy enough, a dog sometimes learns to step on the pedal and open the lid.
3. Try training. The one method that requires the most work is teaching your dog to “leave it.” I first teach a dog to turn away or back off from my hand while I am holding treats. Once the dog has learned the phrase “leave it,” then I use that phrase every time the dog goes near the trash. When the dog backs or turns away, I immediately offer him praise and treats. When I am not working with the dog, I put the trash can away. After repeated training sessions, I leave the trash can out for longer periods and offer praise and rewards every time the dog walks past the trash can and does not stop to investigate. I may even go a step further and start with a trash can that does not contain any food. Then, in more advanced training sessions, I bait the trash can with really pungent foods.

As always, consult your veterinarian or pet behavioral professional as a first step when dealing with a pet behavior problem.