Break the chain that confines, restrains dog
If you are reading this article, you're likely an animal lover who treats your pet like a member of the family. You feel that your dogs enjoy the fresh air outside, like you do. When the weather is nice, they want to be outside to play, get exercise and maybe chase a squirrel that is brave enough to hop in the backyard.
Like most of us, when the weather is bad or at the end of the day, you bring your dogs in where they sleep on their dog bed, jump in their crate or, if they are like my dogs, they take over their master's bed. You probably tells yours, like I tell mine, that it would be great to be a spoiled dog like they are. They are lucky enough to have someone to shelter them, give them food and water and allow them to enjoy life to the fullest.
While many dogs live the good life, others have a much different story to tell. For them, it doesn't matter what the weather is or what time it is, you can find them outside. Maybe they have a nice dog house, but often they just have a barrel, a homemade box or nothing at all to shield them from the weather.
Sometimes, to make matters even worse, their owner doesn't give them the freedom to wander around and find a warm spot or get exercise. Instead, their world only exists as far as the chain around their neck allows them to travel. We've all seen this story. We see grass worn down to dirt as the dog travels back and forth, often left with only a few feet of chain at the end of its collar.
They are forced to eat, sit, lie and go to the bathroom all in the same place. They are easy targets for any big stray dog in the area who decides they want to eat their food. Often, the only humane interaction they get is once or twice a day when the owner comes out to give them food and water.
Dogs are naturally social beings that thrive on interaction with human beings and other animals. In the wild, dogs and wolves live, eat, sleep and hunt with a family of other canines. Dogs are genetically determined to live in a group.
A dog kept chained alone in one spot for hours, days, months or even years suffers immense psychological damage. An otherwise friendly and docile dog, when kept continuously chained, becomes neurotic, unhappy, anxious and often aggressive. In many cases, the necks of chained dogs become raw and covered with sores, the result of improperly fitted collars and the dogs' constant yanking and straining to escape confinement. Some chained dogs have collars embedded in their necks, the result of years of neglect at the end of a chain. Chained dogs frequently become entangled in their chains, too, and unable to access food, water and shelter
Would you for one second choose to live the life of these dogs? No matter what reason is given, the bottom line is that it is not OK to chain a dog for life. Dogs should not have to live chained or penned as prisoners, yearning for a place in a family, craving acknowledgement, respect and love. They deserve better, and we as caretakers have the obligation to provide it for them.
What other options are out there for pet owners? We've all heard the expression that good fences make good neighbors. Good fences also make for a happier dog. A secure fence will allow you to let your dog run around the backyard, enjoying all of the things that the outdoors offers.
If you can't afford a fence right now, get your dog some regular exercise. Taking your dog for a walk is great for you and your dog. You'll feel better and he'll get socialization, exercise and will be a healthier and happier dog. Let's work together to break that chain.