Chaining Dogs: Is it a Problem?

Understanding Dogs
Most companion animals love to be with their human family.  Dogs especially love to be with their people.  Domestic dogs are descendants of wolves, who are very social animals and spend their entire lives with their pack.  Domestic dogs still have the need to be with their pack or human family for socializing and structure.

Why do people chain dogs?
People keep dogs chained in yards for many reasons. Some people do not have a fenced yard, so they chain their dogs to keep them from wandering. Why wouldn't they keep them in the house then? Some feel that dogs are still wild and belong outdoors. Many actually believe that dogs prefer to live outdoors.

A lot of people find that having a dog is a bigger responsibility than they thought it would be.  They may not have as much time to spend with their dog as she needs, so she starts acting out and causing problems (like chewing or going to the bathroom ) in the house.  For whatever the reason, some dog guardians still want her to be part of the family but don't want her inside.  So they may leave in a yard or on a chain all the time.  But actually, families spend very little time outside in the yard.

Why is chaining dogs a problem?
A dog who lives outdoors spends most of his life alone.  When a dog is kept chained or left alone outside for days, months or even years, she can suffer.  Chained dogs can become unhappy, nervous, and aggressive. 

A dog who lives outside is also exposed to hot summers and cold winters.  Even if he has a dog house it might not be enough to protect him from all temperatures and types of weather.  Dogs who live outside are also exposed to strange noises, wild animals, strangers, and other domestic animals. 

All of these things can make him scared and frustrated. He may bark and dig because he wants to investigate but can't, or because he is scared and can't get away, or because he is too cold, or too hot. Even a dog in a yard with a solid fence can feel this way. Most dogs eventually find a way to get out of the yard and can end up lost, injured or killed.

What can you do to help chained dogs?
Below are a few easy ways you can help chained dogs:

Family Time
If your family has a dog, spend as much time as possible with him.  Play with him in the house and in a secure yard, help your family take him for walks on his leash and learn to brush him. You and your dog will become better friends.  You will also learn what your dog looks like when he is healthy, which will help you spot any problems quickly.

If you don't have a dog, you can help other families that you trust (like your neighbors or other relatives) to take care of their dogs.

Training
Many dogs are left outside, chained or given to shelters because they have never learned good manners. If puppies learn to play nicely with and be around people and other dogs when young, they are less likely to develop undesirable traits as they get older, and have a better chance of being a safe and fun companion for people and other dogs.

You can find more information about dog training on PAWS' main website.  

Write a Letter
Even if you are not old enough to vote, you can speak up for animals through writing letters to community leaders.  You can write letters to your mayor, the editor of your town newspaper and your state's law makers asking them to make it illegal to chain dogs for long periods of time.  PAWSkids.org can help you learn more about how to help animals by writing a letter or making a phone call.

Educate Others
You can be an ambassador for dogs everywhere by talking with people about what dogs need to be happy and healthy.  You can tell people about websites where they can learn more or make your own flyers.  Keep a stack of them in your backpack and hand them out when you have the chance.

Reporting Animal Abuse and Neglect
If you see someone abusing an animal, or know of animal who is being neglected, it's important to report it right away to Animal Control or the police.  You will help the animal and your community to be a safer place. You can learn more about how to report animal abuse at PAWSkids.org.