Dog getting in trash

Question
Within the past 4 months my dog has started getting into the trash and she is starting to do it more often, mostly when we are sleeping. We have spanked her and told her no, but it is not helping. I do not know what to do. She has also started growling a little when she i try and get her out of her box when she is about to get in trouble. Just a minute ago she put her paws on the counter and got a bowl that i just stuck up there. PLEASE HELP!!! I know that i can get her to stop without spanking her because she is a great dog, but i need guidance :) Thanks

Answer
First of all, spanking does not work, and is never acceptable.  It merely teaches your dog that you are unpredictable, and produces more anxiety in the dog, which can lead to other behavior problems.  The fact that she is getting into the trash is actually your fault.  But, first, you need to understand why.  A reinforcer is anything the dog wants.  When a dog gets a reinforcer, they will repeat the behavior that got them the reinforcer, in this case food from the trash or the countertop.  So, the first part of any anti-trash raiding or countersurfing training is to immediately remove the reinforcers.  So, put the trash away, or get a dog-proof lid for it.  And, clear the countertops.  Next, you should begin training the dog to "leave it", "come", "go to place", and all the commands you would have learned at any good positive training class.  Aha, you are probably already thinking, "she does it when we aren't there to issue a command", and that's true, but the dog that is under voice control is more likely to think of those areas as belonging to you, which is the object.  If she has already started this behavior, you can also add a benign penalty.  This is something that the dog will negatively associate with going to the trash or countertop.  The Snappy Trainer is one.  It's like a mouse trap, but only startles, and does not hurt the dog.  There is also a mat that has nubbies on it that dogs don't care to put their feet on.  You can use the Snappy for both, though.  Amazon has them:
http://www.amazon.com/INTERPLANETARY-PET-PRODUCTS-Trainer-Training/dp/B0002AB7RS
I want to reiterate for you, and anyone who reads this reply, that you rarely solve any dog behavior problem with hitting or yelling "no".  Dogs do not form associations as readily as humans, and those responses always make matters worse, sometimes much worse.  Always blame yourself, the handler, first, and use training or conditioning, rather than a punishment, whenever you can.  You and the dog will be happier.  If you get stuck, get a trainer to help you.