Dog damage to window

November 30, 2007 6:53 AM

I have a dog (actually 4) who paws/claws at the window occasionally when other dogs pass by. The result is that the mullions get scratched and damaged.

We have moved a couch from in front of the window and now have a chair that she can get on and reach the window. She is tall enough to do this without any furniture assist and the living room needs some furniture in that space. I mean to convey that just moving the furniture would not be a solution. How can I get her to stop pawing the window. We are not home much of the day and she does not do it consistantly so using a shake can might work but hard to catch her at it.
Is there anything I can do to prevent the damage? I am thinking of a physical barrier to keep her from reaching the window but need something that would not be uglly. The window flanks a picture window.

posted by shaarog to Pets & Animals (8 answers total)

Have you considered training? Sure, it will be a pain in both your asses, but it'll be worth it.
posted by pmbuko at 7:06 AM on November 30, 2007

I know you said that moving furniture would not be a solution, but what about something like a tall shelf (with no solid back, so light could still get in)? Maybe a "plant shelf", whether or not you like plants -- I'm thinking the shelves themselves might be glass, for maximum light entry.
posted by amtho at 7:19 AM on November 30, 2007

Maybe some sort of motion activated alarm device that create a loud noise when the dog approaches the window? I know sound activated ones to help deter unnecessary barking are available, I imagine you can find something similar that is motion activated.
posted by COD at 7:22 AM on November 30, 2007

There are self-sticking plastic covers you can get for doors for just this purpose, they might work on a window. But it might be easier just to baby-gate the dog in an area away from the windows.
posted by biscotti at 7:26 AM on November 30, 2007

A coffee table in front of and spaced away from the window works for some people I know. They push it back up against the wall under the window when they use the room. If you really want to train the dog, even when you are not there a security beam and a very loud noise would do the trick.
posted by caddis at 7:35 AM on November 30, 2007

Motion detector with alarm - $27
posted by caddis at 7:40 AM on November 30, 2007

Put strong double sided sellotape on the surface. Cats and dogs hate the feeling of having their paws stuck - I used this technique to stop my cat scratching my door in the middle of the night. After getting her paws stuck a few times she should give it up completely. Obviously you might want to watch her when you first put the tape up as you don't want the dog distressed, just let her experience the "sticky" feeling. She should be able to pull her paw free easily and should hopefully give up the habit, good luck!
posted by fire&wings at 11:06 AM on November 30, 2007

I bought a Deacon's bench second hand and put it in front of the picture window. The back is taller than the window sill. My dog sits on the bench and puts his paws on the back of the bench but can't get to the window sill. Maybe that solution would work for you.
posted by andreap at 12:45 PM on November 30, 2007