Many people ask about chaining/tethering a dog and what the big deal is, I’m going to try and shed some light on this issue.

What is chaining and tethering?

This is the act of fastening a dog to a stationary object or stake, usually in a backyard area. This is used as a means of controlling the dog and ensuring it does not escape the yard area.

What is wrong with chaining?

Dogs are pack animals, they require socialization and have a need to be part of the “pack”. When we take a dog home, we become their “pack”. Taking them out of the “pack” and tying them up outside and away from the family is very hard on them, not only emotionally and socially but physically as well. A lot of chained dogs end up eating, sleeping and defecating in the same area. Dogs are very clean animals and if they are forced to do these things all in one area, it can really affect their training and their health. A lot of chained dogs end up with overturned water and food dishes and end up with sporadic feeding times. All these things combined can damage a dog psychologically for good, a dog that was once outgoing and happy can end up aggressive and unpredictable.

Physically, the dog can be damaged as they constantly pull and tug on the chain/tether and the collar can rub the fur off the neck and leave open sores, in some cases, the collar becomes embedded in the skin and needs to be surgically removed.

A dog will naturally protect it’s territory and they have the natural “fight or flight” instinct. When a dog is chained, the “flight” option has been taken away from the dog. This leaves the only option to “fight”. A dog that is chained for long periods of time that continually has to “fight” to defend its territory can become a highly aggressive and dangerous animal.

A chained dog will eventually be overcome with boredom and long periods of isolation, this will change a dogs psyche for the worst and in a lot of cases; forever.