Dear Doggy
My dog loves being outside but we aren’t always able to let him out. The next best thing is looking out the window. If we put a window up at home, will he jump out? What about a car window? Will my dog jump out of a car window?
Signed,
Stuck Inside
Dear Stuck Inside,
Most dogs are likely to jump out of a window of a house or a moving car if they are tempted by the things they see outside. Lack of enough stimulation indoors may prompt dogs to seek immediate adventure as soon as they see a chance. He may also be triggered to jump out of the window if something scares him. Canines generally don’t have a fear of jumping from heights.

We want to give our dogs a breath of fresh air and a little bit of sunshine by opening our windows. But, would an open window entice our mutts to jump out?
There are factors to consider before you pull up that window latch:
- Dogs are easily excitable. Younger dogs and puppies which are just getting used to their environment are keener to investigate. It could be another dog, a new scent, or a strange sound that could draw them out of the house or a moving car.
- Dogs get bored indoors. If they don’t go out as much as they want to, our furry buddy can find indoors tedious. Canines are naturally sociable, and if they are not entertained with enough human attention, playmates, or toys, they can get restless and bolt as soon as a window opens.
- Dogs don’t think of the consequences. Most dogs are not aware of how dangerous it could be to take such a high leap. Even if they had previous experience of getting hurt from jumping out a window, they can still be lured to do it again.
- Dogs have a flight response. In a “fight or flight” situation, a terrified dog can opt to flee through an open window. It could be because of very loud music, fireworks, thunder, or a more dominant dog.
Do Dogs Know Not To Jump From Heights?
If you live with your dog in a high-rise building, one of your greatest fears must be to see him jump off the window or balcony.
Generally, dogs are aware of being at a great height like in balconies or windows of tall buildings. However, curiosity and excitement about the things they see outdoors can move them to jump out. Puppies and dogs in heat are easily excitable and have fewer reservations about jumping from heights. Terrified pups who want to flee and those with poor eyesight are also at risk of accidentally jumping off balconies and windows.
There are several heart-breaking reports of dogs who got badly injured and some have died from jumping off windows and terraces of high-rise apartments.
Although canines mainly recognize being in an elevated space, some miscalculate the height and still spring out.
In which circumstances are dogs most prone to jumping from heights?
- If they can fit through the gaps. Terriers and chihuahuas are small enough to fit through the rails. Considering the size of your dog versus the width of the openings where he can jump through is a critical step. Some pet parents decide not to bring their tiny pooches to the balcony or close to the window altogether.
- If they can reach the ledge. Your pup might not be able to squeeze through the railings, but are they energetic or tall enough to jump over it? Breeds like collies, greyhounds, and shepherds are high jumping canines.
- If they have not been out much. Canines who have been cooped up inside for too long are more in danger of jumping off windows and balconies. A glance at a squirrel or another dog in heat may be all it takes for them to leap.
How Do I Keep My Dog From Jumping Out The Window?
Some dogs have learned from painful experiences not to jump out of a house window or a moving car. How do we prevent these instances in the first place?
Keep your dog away from open windows if you live on the upper floors. Install pet-proof screens. Train him not to jump out using treats or a spray bottle. Restrain him if in a moving car. Only open the windows halfway or to a height that your pooch cannot slip through.
There are practical ways to prevent your dog from jumping out windows:
- Limit your dog’s access to a window. Keeping windows closed at all times is the most effective means of keeping a frequent jumper from bolting through it. You may also centralize his favorite activities such as eating and sleeping in windowless rooms.
- Get pet-proof screens. If you want to safely give your pooch a good view of the outdoors and some fresh air, install pet mesh in your window. Pick the kind that is tear-proof and non-toxic as some dogs tend to chew their way out.
- Train your dog not to jump out. This is a long-term approach of conditioning your pooch not to jump out of any window or car, moving or stationary. You can give him treats and pet him if he moves away from the window. Some squirt water to their mutts’ faces if they attempt to jump out.
- Keep him buckled if in a moving car. Your dog may feel restrained but this will stop him from spontaneously jumping off the vehicle. You can also keep him in a crate while traveling.
- Don’t open the windows fully. If you have to open your house or car windows, it should never go all the way down that your dog’s whole body can squeeze through.
Why Do Dogs Love Looking Out The Window?
Whether he is in a car or inside the house, your doggo just loves to stare through the windows. What could they possibly be intrigued about?
Dogs are fond of looking out the window mainly because they are stimulated and entertained about what they see outside. Mutts also love sticking out their heads through an open window of a moving car because they are engaged by the new sights and scents in the environment. Dogs communicate their excitement by what they sense from the window through barking.
You may be hesitant to let your dog near a window in the fear of them jumping out. But with limited freedom, you could give your pooch the best time of his life simply by looking out a window.
- It stimulates dogs. Part of their being lovable is being curious about their surroundings. Windows afford them to see thrilling things like a running rabbit in the yard, a kid’s colorful ball, and an intriguing bird right at the windowsill.
- It is a view of another world. The inside of the house is an all too familiar world for your dog. It can be tedious sometimes especially if he has not been out for a walk in a while. His only escape could be the giant life-like TV called the window.
- It is a feast for their noses. Canines have a highly developed sense of smell. Sticking out their heads through the car window exposes their nose to a medley of stimulating scents.
- It is a way to communicate. If they are alone at home and see another dog out the window, he will try to catch its attention by loud barking. Or if he sees a suspicious mailman approaching, he feels very protective and warns you about a perceived danger.