Why a 60 lb dog is strong enough to reach trouble
A dog this size can easily knock over storage bins or stretch up to counter-height shelves you thought were safe. His body weight gives him both the power to break into flimsy containers and the height to access more areas than smaller pets. Since he's already shown interest in the bulbs, assume he'll keep trying unless you completely remove the opportunity.
Tulip bulbs release compounds when disturbed, creating an earthy scent that dogs find intriguing. Even if he hasn't swallowed any yet, the repeated exposure increases the risk he'll eventually chew one thoroughly enough to cause mouth irritation or digestive upset. Persistent nibblers may develop worse reactions over time.
The three storage mistakes most owners make
Cardboard boxes are useless against a curious dog—their corners tear easily, and the material absorbs bulb odors that attract him. Thin plastic bags crinkle invitingly and split open with one good shake. Open shelves at shoulder height might seem adequate until you see him brace his front paws and stretch upward to investigate.
Truly secure storage requires a latching plastic bin with a gasketed lid (the kind meant for holiday decorations or tool storage), placed inside a locked cabinet or closet. The container should be hard-sided enough that he can't puncture it if it falls, and the secondary barrier ensures he can't access it even if he knocks over the outer structure.
What to watch for if he's already gotten into them
Check his mouth first—bulb fragments may stick between teeth or irritate gums, causing drooling or pawing at his face. Even if you don't see obvious pieces, mild stomach upset could develop within a few hours. With a dog this size, a single small bulb might only cause temporary discomfort, but multiple bulbs or repeated small exposures increase the risks.
Watch for unusual lethargy, refusal of food, or vomiting over the next 12 hours. While most cases resolve on their own, any sign of abdominal pain (whining when touched, stretching repeatedly as if to relieve pressure) means he needs veterinary assessment. His weight gives him some buffer against severe poisoning, but intestinal blockages are still possible if he swallowed large chunks.
Training alternatives when relocation isn't enough
If you can't immediately move the bulbs (during planting season, for example), train a 'leave it' command using high-value treats as distractions whenever he approaches the storage area. Keep a spray bottle of water near the shed door as an immediate deterrent—the goal isn't to punish, but to interrupt the behavior the moment he shows interest.
For chronic diggers, create a decoy zone with buried toys or safe chew items in another part of the yard to redirect his energy. Consistency matters more than intensity—brief, frequent corrections when he's near the bulbs work better than occasional loud scolding after he's already gotten hold of one.
The step-by-step response, from the first minute to the vet visit, is in our Tulip, Daffodil & Hyacinth Bulbs emergency guide.