How to Stop a Dog From Scratching Windows

Dogs generally scratch at windows because they are excited about something that they can see outside. While the most effective way to eliminate this problem is to block the view with curtains, you may not feel like removing all natural light from your home. Fortunately, there are many other alternatives that will stop a dog from scratching windows.

Things You'll Need

  • Clothes hanger
  • Empty cans
  • String
  • Tape
  • Balloons

Instructions

    • 1

      Tie five or six cans to a clothes hanger with string. Attach the cans to the hanger so that when they are dangling they are nearly touching.

    • 2

      Hang the clothes hanger in the window. Generally you can hook it right over the window latch. If necessary, shorten the strings so that the cans are not lying on the ground. When your dog goes to scratch the window, the cans will jingle and make an unpleasant sound that should drive the dog away.

    • 3

      Another thing to try is balloons. Blow up several balloons. They need to be very full of air so that the rubber is stretched extremely tight.

    • 4

      Next, tape the balloons to the window. They should be in the general area where the dog scratches. When he scratches the window, the taut balloons will pop, making the window appear to "fight back." You can stop replacing the balloons when your dog stops scratching. Usually it will not take more than one or two pops.

    • 5

      If the cans or balloons don't work, rearrange the furniture. If your dog insists on scratching the windows, try arranging the furniture in such a way that it blocks the windows. Placing a sofa in front of a window allows natural light to enter the room but blocks the dog from the windows. You can also place tables or other items strategically to make the windows harder for the dog to access.