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A chocolate brown Labrador Retriever sitting beside a tipped-over trash can with garbage spread on the ground 2 / 28

A Chocolate Lab Went Treasure Hunting in the Trash and Looks Pleased

AI imagechocolate labradortrash cangarage

Banana peels, takeout containers, and paper scraps spill from a toppled gray can, and a chocolate Labrador sits right beside it with the tiniest smile. His glossy brown coat is clean, his amber eyes are warm, and his tongue peeks out just a little. Behind him, a blue bin, a hose, and a pair of sneakers line the wall of an entryway. He looks as though he has just finished a very successful treasure hunt.

Labrador Retrievers are famous for their appetite and their friendly personalities. They were bred to retrieve game, and many still love to carry and sniff everything they find. That strong nose and love of food make a trash can an irresistible target. Garbage can be dangerous for dogs, because bones, wrappers, spoiled food, and anything with onion or chocolate can cause problems. If your dog eats something risky, call your vet. A can with a locking lid, or one kept inside a closed cabinet, helps protect your dog. Labs also benefit from daily exercise and puzzle feeders, which give their noses something safer to do.

He has an expression of pure contentment, though he will soon learn that this kind of treasure comes with consequences. A cleanup is needed, and a stronger lid is on the shopping list. Still, a grin like that is tough to scold.

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