The bucket is to keep the mole/gopher from seeing the light coming in the tunnel and shoving dirt back up to block the hole before they smell the peanut butter and go looking. Dogs are an issue and a heavy rock on top of the bucket can help or just keeping the dog out of the area for a day or two until he is trapped.I assume this bucket would prevent your cats or dogs from sticking their tongue in the trap? I just wouldnt trust it with my nosey dogs. The kick stuff over all the time if they smeel something good hahah