Help - Sudden chewing on windowsills

    • Puppy

    Help - Sudden chewing on windowsills

    We are at our wit's end.  Our 5 year old pup has always been a wonderful family member.  We moved into a brand new home in December and she appeared to settle in nicely with her sister.  Now, out of the blue, she's begun chewing on the corners of our windowsills.  She has done this twice, both times when my DH goes outside (he works from home).  She stands at the window and chews away.  He hasn't caught her in the act, but still verbally scolded her - we know this is ineffective if we don't catch her in the act, but we're beyond frustrated.
     
    I realize that it may be some form of separation anxiety, but short of crating her, I'm at a loss as to how to handle.  I've been in homes where dogs have totally destroyed any wood object (windowsills, furniture, doors, etc.) and this terrifies me and isn't acceptable to me. 
     
    Would love to find a solution that doesn't involve crating, but will definitely use it if it means saving our home!
     
    Any reasonable advice is greatly appreciated.  Thank you!
    • Gold Top Dog
    There are things you can try - but they are not guareenteed to work. There are sprays, such as Bitter Apple, or hotsauce that you can put on the windowsill to deter her.  Some dogs are not affected by it whatsoever, some are. 
     
    But, I'm thinking that since it is a brand new home, and she is doing this b/c of stress, then she might pick something else to chew. 
     
    You need behavioural advice, which I can't give.  I will be interested in what others say to try.  My 1 1/2 year old puppies destroyed my long windowsill and it had to be completely replaced - so I know what you are going thru.  Sorry I can't offer behaviour advice.  But, I can tell you I know the experience of it and understand!
    • Gold Top Dog
    I'm going to bump this up so maybe somebody can give you constructive advice since I don't know much about the best approaches to behavioural issues.
     
    Oh, and I forgot to welcome you here!! 
    • Gold Top Dog
    May be off the wall but here goes...

    To me it sounds like opportunistic chewing if she only does it when DH goes outside.  She waits by the window to watch him and while there starts chewing.

    Try giving her bully sticks or a filled Kong, etc when going out side so she can relieve whatever stress she feels appropriately.  Can't hurt to try. 
     
    Edited to add: try putting osme Vick's Vapor rub on the windowsill to deter the chewing also.  I never had any luck with the bitter apple spray or even straight hot sauce but the Vick's worked for me.