Chained Dogs—The Sad Truth

For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.—Nelson Mandela, South African Civil Rights Leader

Doesn’t man’s best friend deserve more than a life on a chain?

I’d like to talk about a widespread practice here in the U.S. and in other countries that has lately come into question. Chaining or otherwise tethering a dog in the yard.

It’s all too common and many people actually think it’s a good thing. The dog is outside—it’s good for her and helpful for the people who don’t have time or the inclination to walk her. A win/win situation, yes? Not really.

Of course dogs like to be outside. And yes I’ve never heard of a dog that doesn’t love to run around a lot rather than be stuck at home.

However, these activities are not enjoyable or productive unless shared with the pack—the ‘pack’ being the humans who a dog considers to be his or her family.

Being tied up, no matter how long the chain is inappropriate for raising a healthy, well adjusted dog. It may seem okay. After all you provide food, water, a protective little dog house. But it isn’t okay.

Dogs are social animals. It’s one of the most important aspects of the canine psyche. The confinement of a social being tied out alone all day causes frustration, confusion, panic and increased reactivity. This makes a dog frustrated, angry and thus more likely to bite. A chained dog feels rejected. He doesn’t understand why he’s being relegated to such a lonely place. Many dogs only escape the chain the day they die.

A tethered dog is at risk of being attacked by other animals or teased by children. A person tethering a dog could be creating a monster. I don’t think anyone wants this for their dog friend. We need to re-think this cruel practice.

A study by the American Veterinary Medical Association recently showed that 17% of fatal dog attacks on humans between 1979 and 1998 were from dogs that were restrained on their property by tethers at the time of the attack, and many of the victims were children.

Perhaps if we put ourselves in the dog's place, we could better comprehend. How would I feel to be tied up for many hours? What would I do all alone in a restricted area with no one to work or play with? How sad I would be to see that my ‘family’ went inside the house and left me out, alone.

This thought process can be an amazing tool to deepen our level of understanding of not only dogs, but other human beings as well. Just imagine what it would be like to live in someone else’s life. It seems this kind of thinking could be a bridge to a deeper connection. I think it’s the essence of compassion, which means ‘to feel with.’

Thankfully, many people and groups are reflecting about the practice of tethering dogs outside and realizing how detrimental and cruel it is. Some local governments are becoming aware of the potential problems that chaining and tethering can cause for dogs and humans, and many cities and counties are making tethering illegal.

Please check out this wonderful informational website called Dogs Deserve Better explaining everything about the seriously misplaced practice that people all across the country are taking part in.

Just think how amazing and uplifting it could be to make an effort to spend quality family time together. Daily walking/running/playing with your dog instead of chaining him in a backyard could open up a whole new world and create a healthier, happier relationship.

Here’s a website that gives you 20 Ways to Help a Chained Dog. Look at these two photos of chained dogs. Their faces tell the story of loneliness and misery. Then look at the two dogs being walked by their people. Both are relaxed, healthy, energized and smiling!
      
A Chained Dog’s Plea
I wish someone would tell me
What it is that I’ve done wrong.
Why do I have to stay chained up
And left alone so long?
They seemed so glad to have me
When I came here as a pup.
There were so many things we’d do
While I was growing up.
But now the Master "hasn’t time"
The Mistress says I shed.
She doesn’t want me in the house,
Not even to be fed.
The Children never walk me.
They always say, "Not now."
I wish that I could please them.
Won’t someone tell me how?
All I had, you see, was love.
I wish they would explain
Why they said they wanted mine,
And then left it on a chain.
—By Edith Lassen Johnson
 

Send in a photo and prayer for your pet!
 
Sharon Azar is an assistant to the editorial staff at GUIDEPOSTS. In her spare time, she rescues dogs and does portraits of furry, feathered and scaled companion animals. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.

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