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GSD Proof Garbage Can

German Shepherd Proof Garbage Cans

When preparing your home for a dog, your trash can probably isn’t the first thing you think about. But the odor and potential treasures within these bins can sometimes be too hard for pups to resist. If you’re getting a GSD or another similarly sized large dog, you should definitely consider getting a German Shepherd-proof garbage can.

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Reasons to Consider Purchasing a Dog Proof Garbage Can

All dogs are incredibly smart but most especially the German Shepherd. These dogs are also headstrong, so if they’re determined to get at something you’ve already thrown in the trash can, they’ll find ways to make it happen.

These are the two main reasons why you should keep that from happening by purchasing dog-proof garbage cans:

Ensure Health & Safety

It’s not uncommon for trash to prompt an emergency visit to the vet. Household trash often contains food, chemicals, and other substances that are toxic to dogs.

Waste and old leftovers could contain harmful bacteria, molds, and fungi. Additionally, various items in the garbage could cause choking, cuts, and puncture wounds. 

Avoid Messes

Discovering trash strewn across the floor can be incredibly inconvenient and upsetting. You’d have to handle all the trash and clean up the mess. You’ll probably need to bathe your dog as well.

Without a dog-proof garbage can, this could happen quite frequently.

What to Look for in a German Shepherd Proof Garbage Can

Some garbage cans are made specifically for households with pets. Although you should definitely consider them, you don’t need to limit yourself to those options.

To find a trash can that can survive the strength and smarts of your GSD, here are some of the most important features to look for:

Cover Lock

A proper cover is arguably the most important thing to look for in a garbage can when you live with a German Shepherd. The cover should not be so easily removed and might work better if it had a locking mechanism.

Opening Mechanism

How your garbage can opens up directly affects how easily you can throw trash in. Sure, it’s great to have a bin that your GSD can’t access. But it should only be difficult for your dog, not you.

Your most convenient options are those that open with a step pedal, but some modern households prefer sensor-controlled bins.

Height

It would be unreasonable to try to find a garbage can that’s too high for your German Shepherd to reach. These dogs are just too tall!

Nevertheless, it helps to have a bin that’s tall enough so the opening isn’t at sniffing height. Ideally, it would be at least 23 inches high.

Weight

Many plastic bins are high enough but are actually too light for a German Shepherd. Choose a trash can that’s heavy enough so it’s difficult for a dog to tip it over. Metal ones like those made of stainless steel are among your best options.

Odor Control

A cover is usually enough to keep odor at bay. But if you want to make absolutely sure that no smells escape from your bin, you can find products that have odor filters. The less smelly it gets, the less tempting it is for your dog to explore it.

Reviews of German Shepherd Proof Garbage Cans

Of course, apart from keeping your trash away from your GSD, you want your garbage can to be hygienic, convenient to use, and look good inside your home.

Given the ideal features of a dog-proof trash bin, here are some of the best products for you to consider:

Simplehuman Butterfly Step Can

The Butterfly Step Can by Simplehuman is called so because of its unique lid that opens from the center rather than from one side.

Simplehuman Trash Can for Large Dogs

This requires less clearance, allowing it to fit under countertops and tables. The lid opens easily using a steel foot pedal but silently closes shut thanks to Simplehuman’s patented technology.

The 45-liter (12-gallon) version of this stainless steel bin measures 10.4 x 26 x 23.3 inches (W x H x D) and weighs approximately 19 pounds.

It has a smudge-proof surface that’s easy to keep clean. Plus, it has a removable inner bucket that makes trash more convenient to manage. It also has a rubber-padded base that keeps your dog from dragging or pushing it around.

What I Love:

  • Butterfly lid
  • Removable inner bin
  • Smudge-proof
  • Quiet cover
  • Rubber-padded base

Possible Downsides:

  • Designed for use with non-standard liners, so you’ll need to use the ones from the brand or find other compatible trash bags.

iTouchless Sensor Trash Can with Pet-Proof Lid

The Sensor Trash Can with Pet-Proof Lid by iTouchless measures 10.8 x 27.9 x 12.8 inches (W x H x D) but weighs only around 8 pounds.

iTouchless sensor trash can for dogs

Its most notable feature is a sensor-controlled lid that enables you to open and close it with the wave of a hand. It also has a stopper to keep your pet from accessing the trash even if they learn how to use the motion sensor.

This stainless steel garbage can has a 50-liter (13-gallon) capacity. It has a brushed surface that’s easy to keep clean of fingerprints and smudges.

It also features an activated carbon filter that neutralizes trash odors. This keeps your home smelling fresh and reduces temptations for pets to rummage through.

What I Love:

  • Sensor-controlled lid
  • Pet-proof lid-stopper
  • Ideal height
  • Has odor filter
  • Fits standard trash bags

Possible Downsides:

  • If left unlocked, German Shepherds are smart enough to figure out how to work the motion sensor. Additionally, it is light enough for a GSD to push, drag, or topple over.

Hembor Dual Trash Can

The Dual Trash Can by Hembor is excellent for segregating trash as it has two bins, each with its own lid and foot pedal.

Hembor GSD proof garbage can

The lids are flush with the lip so your dog can’t use its muzzle to lift it. Additionally, they open quickly but close slowly and silently to avoid annoying clangs.

This stainless steel bin has a brushed aluminum finish. It measures 23.03 x 25.59 x 12.6 inches (W x H x D) and weighs a heavy 26.78 pounds.

It has two removable buckets, each with a capacity of 30 liters (8 gallons). Each bucket has a handle that makes it easy to remove and replace when disposing of waste.

What I Love:

  • Easy segregation
  • Separate covers
  • Silent closure
  • Removable inner bins
  • Smudge-proof

Possible Downsides:

  • Its large footprint makes it suitable only for large spaces.

HCY Dual Kitchen Trash Can

The Dual Kitchen Trash Can by HCY measures 23 x 25 x 12 inches (W x H x D) and features two inner barrels to make it easy to separate recyclables.

HYC dog proof trash can

Each inner barrel has a 30-liter (8-gallon) capacity and has metal handles to make waste disposable easy and mess-free. This garbage can is mainly made of stainless steel with a nano-silver coat that keeps it looking clean.

It has a single lid that’s opened using a single-foot pedal. It opens quickly yet closes slowly to avoid loud sounds. It also has a lock feature that keeps it open for longer cleanup times or when you’re changing liners.

What I love:

  • Dual compartment
  • Removable inner buckets
  • Soft-closing lid
  • Keep-open feature
  • Strong steel pedal

Possible downsides:

  • A determined GSD can learn to lift the lid using its muzzle.

Tips to Keep Your German Shepherd Out of the Trash Can

Keeping your German Shepherd from accessing your garbage isn’t just a matter of choosing the right bin. Here are other things you can do to avoid the problem in the first place:

  • Limit access to the bin. Your dog can’t get into the trash if they don’t have access to the garbage can in the first place. Place it somewhere your dog can’t easily reach it, especially when unsupervised.
  • Keep the smell under control. Manage food trash properly and clean your bin often. Also, take the trash out regularly to keep tempting odors at bay.
  • Redirect bad behavior. German Shepherds are one of the most trainable and obedient breeds. Discipline your dog and train them to understand that the garbage can is off-limits.
  • Engage in plenty of exercise. A tired dog spends most of their time resting rather than finding something to do. Combat boredom at home by making sure you give your GSD plenty of opportunities to expend their energy.
  • Provide enough mental stimulation. Getting into the trashcan to access treasures within is an exciting challenge for your pup. Redirect that energy into something equally stimulating yet less destructive like treat dispensers and puzzle toys.

Final Thoughts

When your dog gets into the trash, it’s not only a terrible inconvenience but also a health hazard. Getting a German Shepherd-proof garbage can helps you make sure that whatever you put in the bin stays there. It doesn’t only keep your dog safe but your home clean and mess-free as well.

In some cases, dumpster diving can develop into a serious behavioral issue. Learn how to identify and address behavioral problems common to German Shepherds.

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