DIY Dog Window Perch - UPDATED 2020 - A Complete Guide! - DoggoHQ.com (2024)

DIY Dog Window Perch – UPDATED 2020 – A Complete Guide!

Dog Window Perch – What Should You Know?

Is your dog curious about what’s happening in the outside world? Do you often find them standing up on the windowsill or even trying to jump up and catch a glimpse of what’s occurring beyond your walls? If so, a dog window perch might be a wise idea!

If your four-legged friend is an inquisitive little thing, then I know exactly how you feel. My canine buddy always seems to be interested in what’s going on outside and will happily stand up on the windowsill to get a good view of the people and cars that frequently go past. However, as you might expect, in time, our windowsill was covered in scratch marks, and it was at that point I decided rather than repainting the ledge every so often, I’d merely build her a window perch for her to relax on whenever she so desires – and what a good idea it is was! The question is, is purchasing or building a dog window perch the right choice for you and your pooch?

In most cases, allowing your dog to look out of the window is perfectly harmless and can even have a positive impact on their mental health. Access to windows is very important for dogs who are kept inside for long periods. Looking out of a window can help to reduce boredom, anxiety, and potentially other negative emotions, regardless of their cause. Remember, allowing your dog to look out of a window helps to socialize them to the outside world and the things in it, e.g., people, other dogs and animals, vehicles, etc. However, this shouldn’t replace real-life socialization as in-person socialization is absolutely essential for all dogs.

Figuring out whether or not a dog window perch is a good thing for your dog is relatively straight forward. If your four-legged friend seems anxious to get onto the window ledge or is anxious when on the window ledge, a dog window perch might not be a wise idea. Similarly, continually barking when looking out of the window at everything that passes by is also a clear signal that a dog window perch isn’t something you should provide your dog with. If your dog displays behavior like this, it is important to train them not to react in this fashion before allowing them permanent access to a window via a window platform. Even if your dog seems perfectly calm and relaxed on a window perch, it is vital to keep a close eye on them and gauge whether or not their behavior changes the more time they spend on the platform. Some dogs can be absolutely fine for many months sitting on a window perch, taking in the outside world, and being completely relaxed, but all it can take is one form of trigger, and it can become an issue for both you and your canine pal.

DIY Dog Window Seat With Ramp

Most dog perches are made from wood alongside some form of cushion, pillow, or covered foam, to furnish your dog with the comfortable seat they desire. However, given that all house layouts are different and there are a vast array of windows types and sizes when building a DIY dog window seat, it’s best to use what materials are at hand (and are affordable), providing that the final product will, of course, be safe, secure, and comfortable.

The question most dog owners ask about dog window seats is: should they use a ramp or steps? If your window is particularly high or your dog is too small to jump up to their window platform, you will need to construct either stairs or a ramp. Which you choose is up to you, but we suggest asking yourself the following questions: Is the best form of access for your dog a ramp or a small set of steps? From an aesthetic perspective, would you prefer a ramp or steps? Once you’ve considered these, you can crack on with building your four-legged friend the dog window seat they’ll love!

Best Dog Viewing Platforms (For Your Inspiration)

As stated above, dog viewing platforms can be made to any specification; however, there are four primary types of dog window platform – basic, deluxe, kennel, and moveable – and in this section, we’ll discuss all of these in turn.

Basic:The easiest and most straightforward dog window platform to build. For this, all you’ll need is some wood, foam, and some fabric. Cut the wood to size, drill holes where required, screw the pieces of wood together, cut your foam and fabric to size, staple it together, and then onto the wooden frame. It might take you a little time if you’re not a DIY pro, but it is the most simple form of dog viewing platform.

Deluxe:Like the basic, but with the luxury of a ramp or set of steps leading up to it. Remember, when making a ramp or steps, use a non-slip surface to ensure they’re 100% safe for your four-legged friend.

Kennel:As the name suggests, this type of dog window platform has an in-built kennel underneath. Ok, so it’s not a full-blown kennel, but it’s a comfy area for your dog to sleep and relax in. Many dogs love the security of being under or in something, so if your canine buddy is one of these, a dog viewing platform with an in-built kennel/sleeping area is a perfect choice!

Moveable:Again, the name gives this one away too, but the moveable dog window bed is an excellent choice for those who don’t want to lose access to their window permanently; plus, it means your dog can look out of any window they so desire….provided you move it for them first!

Don’t forget, always use a stain-proof fabric or material for the cushion; otherwise, it might be a pain to clean should any accident happen.