How to Stop Your Dog From Barking Out the Window All Day
If your pup spends all day barking out the window, we know how stressful it can be. Whether you’re working from home, trying to relax, or just want a little peace and quiet, that nonstop barking can be frustrating.
And if you live in an apartment or close to neighbors (hello, Chicago), the noise can easily start causing tension with the people around you. It might seem like something your dog will grow out of, but window barking is usually a sign that your dog is stressed, bored, or overstimulated. And the longer it goes on, the harder it is to undo.
Why Dogs Bark at the Window
Here’s what’s usually going on:
Alert barking
Your dog sees something new and wants to let you know.Frustration
They can’t reach what they’re barking at, which builds tension.Boredom
If they’re under-stimulated, window-watching becomes a game.Overstimulation
Some dogs just can’t handle all the sounds and movement.
Barking out the window often reinforces itself.
For example:
An Uber Eats driver walks by
Your dog barks
The delivery driver leaves
In your dog’s mind… “I did it! I scared them away.”
The more they get to do this, the more they’ll want to do it again.
Why It’s a Bigger Deal Than It Looks
Even if your dog isn’t bothering your neighbors, barking at the window all day can lead to:
Dogs that can’t relax, even when nothing’s happening
Increased leash reactivity outside (because they’re always “on” inside)
Multi-dog tension if one dog’s stress is spilling over onto others
Poor sleep or lack of decompression
It’s not just a noise issue, it’s a nervous system issue!
What Doesn’t Work
These very common “fixes” usually tend to backfire.
Yelling for your dog to be quiet or shushing them
This actually just adds to the noise and stress. They may even think you’re joining in with them!Letting your pup bark it out
Remember, rehearsal makes the habit strongerCorrective e-collars and punishment
We know constant barking can be annoying but we promise you that corrections only suppress behaviors and don’t address the cause. This can lead to more stress (or a dog who hides their discomfort until it explodes).
What to Do Instead
1. Block the View
If your pup can’t see it, they’re less likely to bark at it!
Things to try:
Window film (frosted or static cling style)
Curtains or blinds
Rearranging furniture to make the window less accessible
2. Give Them Something Better to Do
Dogs need and love a job to do! If they’re under-stimulated, they’ll assign themselves one (like becoming the new neighborhood watch that nobody asked for 😂).
Things to try:
A frozen stuffed Kong or lick mat
Snuffle mat or food puzzle toy
A short 5–10 min training session in its place to break their pattern
3. Teach a Chill Spot
Train your pup to hang out on a mat, bed, or in a crate away from the window.
Start rewarding calm behavior before the barking starts, like when they lie down on their own or glance at the window without reacting. Keep treats in little jars around the house to be able to reward easily and in the moment.
4. Step Back & Look at the Bigger Picture
We’ve worked with plenty of dogs who bark at windows because they’re already a little amped or over-aroused.
Window barking is usually a symptom, not the whole story.
High cortisol, low rest, and too much stimulation throughout the day all contribute.
CASE STUDY
Meet Daisy from Lincoln Park 🐶
Daisy is a 2-year-old dobie who barks any time someone walks past her alley while she’s outside on her deck. By…
Blocking her view of the alley on her deck
Swapping free roaming backyard and deck time with training sessions with her favorite toys as a reward
Practicing fun recall games that allow her owner to call her back instead of yelling at her to be quiet
And training a go-to place behavior…
her barking drops by 80% in two weeks!
It’s not magic… it’s meeting your dog’s needs before the triggers kick in.
Still Dealing with Window Barking?
At Copilot Dog Training, we work with dogs who struggle to shut of, especially in busy, high-distraction environments like Chicago.
Whether your dog is reacting at the window, lunging on walks, or just stuck in a stress cycle, we can help.
We don’t believe in just silencing dogs. We help them feel better 🩷
📍 Based in Avondale, Chicago
📍 Serving north, downtime, and west-side neighborhoods + some ‘burbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I cover my windows completely?
If your dog is reactive, it’s a great first step. You don’t have to live in the dark, though ! Window film or partial coverage can work just fine.
Q: My dog only barks when I’m not home. Is this the same thing?
It might be window barking, but it could also be separation-related behavior, too. Our certified trainers can help you figure out which it is.
Q: What if my dog just barks at everything, not just the window?
That usually points to a more general overstimulation or reactivity issue. Reducing window access can help, but they likely need a broader training plan.
Q: Will my dog’s barking go away on its own?
Anything is possible! But more than likely not. Dogs don’t just grow out of habits that are meeting their needs with. Without support, it usually gets worse over time.