Trashcan treasures, not food

Question
Hi,

I am the roommate of a dog owner. For the few months I've lived here the border collie mix has been the best roommate in the house. Recently, she has developed a habit of going into the trash cans in our bedrooms and bathrooms, tearing up the tissue and leaving it in the hallway. I have read about trash being a reinforcer, but there isn't any food in these places. This happens when we leave the house or are asleep.

It is incredibly obvious she knows she did something wrong. All I have to do is point to the mess and tell her to come and she immediately becomes submissive and sometimes hides.

Is this just a matter of locking our doors when we leave? The fact that it's a recent habit makes me wonder if we're doing something differently that is pushing her to be like this. Should we just exercise her more?

Thanks for the help.

Answer
Generally, a sudden change in behavior like this could be caused by stress, a change in routine by someone in the house, or just plain boredom.  How much exercise and mental stimulation does this dog get?  See what you can do to increase it.

Pick up the trash, close the doors for a couple weeks to break the pattern of behavior.  When you point to the mess and scold her, it's really not an effective way to correct the problem.  (Since she's still doing it, you've come to that realization, I'm sure!) She really has no idea what she's done wrong; all she knows is that you're upset with her.  That's why you're seeing the submissive display.  If you can catch her in the act, by all means interrupt the behavior so she'll learn it's not an acceptable behavior.  But no scolding after the fact!

Let me know if you have questions or need clarification on anything.  Good luck!