Molly

Question
QUESTION: Hi i have a beagle mix that is over weight most likely because she breaks into the garbage can!  how can i get her to loose weight? and what should i feed her?

ANSWER: Any of the common brands of commercial dog chows should be fine, perhaps a light or weight loss formula.  

You really need to get the garbage can thing under control.  Can you relocate it where she doesn't have access to it?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: well, we have put the garbage can into  the pantry but...she has figured out how
to access the can by pushing open the door. Is there any other way that i can
keep her from getting into the can? i have heard that you can spray like lemon
juice on the trash or something and it should keep her from doing this is this
true?

Answer
You could try it.  Many of my puppies steal grapefruit rinds out of the trash.  I would put a mousetrap on it.  This would be gentler, but more bother:  

From a assistance dog school news letter.  ''Counter Surfing Does your Foster Puppy counter surf; constantly checking the tables and counters for a tasty morsel that he is sure was left there just for him? If so, teach him The Can Can! For The Can Can you will need about 6 cans (empty pop cans with a few rocks or pennies inside them and a little piece of duct tape over the hole works well). Stack the cans in a pyramid on top of a piece of cardboard or paper to which you have attached a piece of string. Tie the string to the object that your Foster Puppy most desires from the counter top. It may be a dish towel or if it is food he is seeking, use a paper towel that you have used to pat down a piece of meat or maybe some meat juice. Then wait. When the object is snatched from the counter top the pyramid of cans will come crashing down, startling the thief. Your puppy will be caught in the act red pawed! You have just created a self correction! It may take several repetitions to get the point across, but soon your puppy will decide that it just isn't worth taking the chance.''

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