Dog Chewed Window Sill? How to Fix + Stop! [5 Easy Steps]
Window sills are often a target for dogs who love to chew, and you may be wondering, “Why has my dog chewed the window sill, and how do I fix it?” You’re in the right place! This guide will address those chewed-up window sills and provide solutions to deter your dog from further damage.
We’ll dive into the reasons why dogs are attracted to window sills and provide easy-to-follow steps to repair the chewed areas. We’ll also discuss the use of scent as a deterrent, and how to keep dogs off window sills to prevent future incidents. If you have a puppy who’s discovered a taste for window sills, don’t worry – we have you covered, too!
Ready to restore those window sills and curb your dog’s chewing habit? Let’s get to work!
Dog Chewing Window Sill: How to Stop
To stop dog chewing window sill:
- Be sure your dog always has an appropriate outlet for their chewing like a toy that keeps them occupied.
- Spray a deterrent, such as a 50/50 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water onto a cloth and wipe the window sill with it. The mixture is safe for your paint. The scent of vinegar will be gone after 1 hour, but your dog will still be repelled.
- Give a firm, calm “stop” or “no” right away if you again notice your dog is chewing on the window sill. Do not yell or get upset, because if they’re acting like this due to anxiety (which is the most probable explanation), this will only make their problems worse. Put them in a brief time-out in their crate or a closed-off room for about 10 minutes.
- If you notice them starting to go towards the window sill, redirect them to one of their toys. Reward them with a treat, pets, and praise when they pick their toy instead of chewing on the window sill.
- Be sure that everybody in the house is also following these procedures while staying consistent and patient.
These steps will get your dog to stop chewing window sills, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issue (typically anxiety) that was causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address it, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.
“Well, how do I make them last then?”
By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.
The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like when your dog chews window sills and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.
In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog chewing window sills ever again!
How to Fix Window Sill Dog Chewed
If your dog has chewed your window sill, don’t worry. With a little patience and the right tools, you can restore it to its original condition. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Assess the Damage: Determine how much damage has been done. If it’s minor, a simple patch-up job might suffice. But if it’s severe, you might have to replace the entire piece.
- Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need wood putty or epoxy, sandpaper (rough and fine grit), a putty knife, paint or stain that matches your window sill, and a paintbrush.
- Prepare the Area: Start by sanding the damaged area with the rough-grit sandpaper to smooth out any sharp edges or splinters.
- Apply Wood Putty or Epoxy: Use a putty knife to apply wood putty or epoxy to the chewed area. Smooth the putty or epoxy as best as you can to match the shape of the sill.
- Let It Dry: Allow the putty or epoxy to dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Sand It Smooth: Once the putty or epoxy is dry, sand it down with fine-grit sandpaper until it’s smooth and flush with the rest of the window sill.
- Paint or Stain: Finally, paint or stain the repaired area to match the rest of the window sill.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your window sill should be looking as good as new. Remember that you still need to address your dog’s destructive chewing. Go back to the first section now where we’ll explain how to do that step-by-step.
Dog Chewing on Window Sill: Why They Do It
If you’re finding your dog chewing on the window sill, it’s a behavior that can be both puzzling and destructive. Let’s look into the reasons why your dog might be engaging in this activity.
Separation Anxiety
Chewing is frequently a sign of separation anxiety. If your dog tends to chew on the window sill when you’re not home, they may be anxious and trying to cope with their feelings of loneliness or stress.
Boredom
Dogs also sometimes chew to relieve boredom. If your dog doesn’t have enough physical and mental stimulation, they may resort to chewing on your window sills or other household items to keep themselves entertained.
Teething
If you have a puppy, they could be chewing on the window sill because they’re teething. Chewing helps relieve the discomfort associated with teething, and unfortunately, your window sills might be a tempting target.
Attention-Seeking
Sometimes, dogs chew on things because they’ve learned that it gets your attention. Even if the attention they receive is negative, some dogs may prefer this to being ignored.
Taste or Smell
Finally, your dog might simply enjoy the taste or smell of the window sill. This is particularly true if your window sills are made of wood.
Understanding the root cause of your dog’s chewing can help you address the issue more effectively. Remember, it’s always better to address the underlying reason for the chewing rather than just attempting to stop the behavior. Learn how to do that by going back to the first section of this article.
How to Protect Window Sills From Dogs Using Scent
Protecting your window sills from dogs using scent is a clever and non-intrusive method. Dogs have a keen sense of smell, and they can be deterred from certain areas by odors they find unappealing. Here’s how you can use scents to keep your dog away from your window sills:
- Identify Deterring Scents: The first step is to find a scent that your dog dislikes. Many dogs find the smell of citrus, vinegar, or certain spices to be unpleasant. You can test different scents to see which your dog reacts to most strongly.
- Prepare Your Scent Solution: Once you’ve identified a scent your dog dislikes, create a scent solution. For instance, you could mix a small amount of citrus juice or distilled white vinegar with water in a spray bottle. For spices like cayenne pepper, you might create a light paste by mixing it with a bit of water.
- Apply the Solution: Spray or lightly smear your solution on your window sills. Be sure to test a small area first to ensure the solution does not damage or discolor the wood.
- Reapply As Needed: The scent will fade over time, so reapply the solution as needed, especially after cleaning the window sills.
This method should help deter your dog from chewing on the window sills. However, remember it’s essential to also address the root cause of the chewing behavior, whether it’s boredom, anxiety, or teething. Go back to the first section of this article now where we’ll teach you how to do that.
Not doing so means that while your window sills might now be protected, your dog’s issues and destructive chewing will continue. You’ll find your dog chewing on baseboards, chewing on metal, chewing on plastic, and maybe even chewing on mulch. Pretty much anything will do. I’m sure you can see why it’s important to handle things at its root.
Puppy Chewed Window Sill
Finding that your puppy has chewed on the window sill can be frustrating, but it’s important to understand that this behavior is quite normal for puppies. They explore their world through their mouths and chewing helps relieve the discomfort of teething.
Let’s look at a few reasons why your puppy might be targeting the window sill:
- Teething: Puppies go through a teething phase, and chewing helps relieve the discomfort of new teeth coming in.
- Boredom: Puppies have a lot of energy. If they’re not getting enough mental and physical stimulation, they might turn to chewing to keep themselves entertained.
- Anxiety: Chewing can be a stress reliever for puppies. If your puppy chews on the window sill particularly when you’re not around, it could be a sign of separation anxiety.
It’s important to provide safe and appropriate chew toys for your puppy and to monitor their behavior to prevent unwanted chewing. Puppies need supervision and gentle guidance to learn what’s appropriate to chew on and what’s off limits. Go back to the first section now to learn more on preventing destructive chewing by your puppy.
How to Keep Dogs off Window Sills
Dogs love to look out the window, but this behavior can be problematic if they’re causing damage to your window sills or risking injury by standing or jumping up on them. Here’s how you can prevent your dog from getting onto your window sills:
- Remove the Motivation: If possible, keep your blinds or curtains closed to eliminate the distraction of looking out the window. You can also move any furniture your dog uses to access the window sill.
- Provide an Alternative Viewing Spot: Consider setting up a pet-friendly window perch or a raised dog bed near a window where they can safely observe their surroundings.
- Train the “Off” Command: Teach your dog the “off” command to discourage them from getting onto the window sill. Reward your dog for following the command and for choosing to rest in their designated spot instead.
- Use Deterrents: There are various pet-safe products available that can discourage your dog from jumping on the window sill, such as indoor pet barriers or pet-proof window sill protectors.
- Provide Physical and Mental Stimulation: A bored or under-stimulated dog might be more likely to cause mischief. Make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise and has plenty of toys to keep them mentally engaged.
Keeping your dog off the window sill not only protects your home from potential damage but also ensures the safety of your beloved pet. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to training. Stick with it, and your efforts should pay off. Learn more about teaching your dog to obey commands in the first section of this article.
I’m sure you’re sick of your dog ruining things around the house, so I’ll let you get started on things now. Good luck with all of this, and thank you for checking out our article “Dog Chewed Window Sill? How to Fix + Stop! [5 Easy Steps]”