Ways to Stop Puppies From Chewing Window Frames

Puppies use their teeth to explore the world around them. They playfully nip, taste things and chew. As a puppy loses its baby teeth, it sometimes chews more than normal to relieve pain in its gums as its permanent teeth come in.



Inappropriate chewing can become a real problem, however. When a puppy starts chewing window frames, it's time to put a stop to this developing habit. There are some specific steps you'll need to take to get your puppy to stop.

  1. Remove Access to the Window Frame

    • Start by puppy-proofing your window frames. If your puppy is using the back of a couch or some other object to climb and reach the window frame, rearrange furniture or remove the object it is climbing on. For window frames that reach to the floor, or in the case of a tall puppy, use part of a dog pen to create a no-entry zone between the puppy and the window.

    Keep Puppy Busy

    • Bored puppies often act out by chewing and using other destructive behaviors. Walk your puppy several times a day and play with it. You can throw a ball and have the dog bring it back, for example. When you get rid of a puppy's pent-up energy, it will be less likely to chew.

    Bitter Sprays

    • Your local pet supply store should have a variety of bitter sprays. Follow the directions on the bottle to apply to any areas you want your puppy not to chew. If you coat the window frame, test a small area first to be certain it will not stain the finish. Once the puppy tastes the bitter spray, it will be less likely to return to that spot. Reapply the spray every so often.

    Just Say No

    • Most dogs want to please their owners. When your puppy begins to chew the window frame, tell him "no" firmly and redirect his attention elsewhere. Never scream at the puppy or hit it. A disappointed tone of voice is all it takes with some dogs. If your dog is a bit stubborn, make a shake can out of an empty soda can and a few pennies. Place the pennies inside the can and then tape over the opening with electrical or duct tape. When the puppy begins to chew, shake the can and tell it no.

    Crate Training

    • If your puppy chews the window frame when you are out of the house, start crate training your puppy. Confining the dog to a crate while you are away is safer for it and definitely safer for your window frames.