People tether their dogs for a variety of reasons; but solutions are available
Passive cruelty. Neglect. Ignorance. These are all terms that can be used to describe the act of leaving
a dog on a rope or chain, or even in a yard alone and isolated, for long periods. Dogs, like humans,
are social animals and require the companionship of their “pack.” Without the benefit of companionship and the socialization it accords, dogs can become neurotic, depressed or aggressive.
“A lot of people don’t know this, and so that’s why education around the issue of tethered dogs is so important,” says Kim Monteith, regional animal welfare supervisor for the BC SPCA. Monteith offers insight into the most common reasons people tether their dogs:
 |
| Source |
Forgotten dog
Dogs acquired as puppies tend to receive a lot of attention from their families, but that attention sometimes wanes as the pet gets older. Suddenly, says Monteith, it’s no longer “cute” when little Rover jumps up, and rather than invest time into training, the dog is banished to the back yard, where, unfortunately, his manageable behavioural problems become increasingly unmanageable through neglect.
Throwback dog
How mom and dad or grandma and grandpa housed their dog is probably not relevant today. As our social and cultural attitudes shift toward seeing pets as sentient beings with social needs similar to our own, so should our actions, says Monteith. A well-adjusted dog is one who is regularly exposed to a variety of situations, people, sights, smells,sounds and activities. Dogs who are tethered are not well-adjusted and in fact are statistically nearly three times as likely to bite as a dog who is not kept on a tether.The protector pet
The BC SPCA strongly discourages people from acquiring a dog to protect property and recommends that they install an alarm system instead. Dogs are sentient beings with physical, social and psychological needs that are rarely met when they are banished outdoors to protect property.In addition to the strong animal welfare concerns associated with tethering dogs, outdoor dogs rarely make good protectors as they ar not bonded with their family and are often chained to a particular part of the yard and cannot approach strangers.
So how can people put an end to the plight of tethered dogs? Monteith believes people who acquire pets generally wish to do right by them, and just may not know how. She offers these tips for people with tethered dogs:
If you acquired your dog for protection, remember that an indoor, well-cared for pet is likely to bark if a stranger approaches his “pack.” Providing your dog with care and attention is not only the right thing to do, but he will also help protect the family by barking if an unknown person approaches the home.
If you keep your dog outside on a tether because his behaviour is problematic, consult a trainer who can help you help him rejoinyour family. There is a wealth of information available on different types of training, and if one method doesn’t work, another one just may.
If your dog is chained because he escapes by digging under or jumping over your fence, bury chicken wire along the bottom of your fence to prevent digging or install a fence topper at a 45-degree angle so he can’t jump over top. Also, ensure your dog is neutered as a neutered dog is less likely to stray.
If you keep your dog outside on a tether because his behaviour is a problem, consult a trainer who can help.
If your dog is chained because you don’t have enough time for him or your circumstances have changed and your health or schedule prevents you from giving him the attention he requires, consider using the services of a dog walker or doggie daycare. If your job permits, bring him to work with you; take him on errands if the weather is cool; try to combine some of the activities you already do, like taking the kids to soccer practice, with spending time with your dog.
Finally, if you still feel you have no option but to chain your dog, it’s time to revisit the reason you acquired him. A life on a chain is no life at all.
Source: http://www.spca.bc.ca/welfare/campaign-issues/tethered-dogs.html