Just the Facts
What is a backyard dog?
Any dog who is left to Live outside for life, either on a chain or in a pen
Is there a problem with continuious chaining or penning?
YES, the practice is cruel and inhumane,given the social nature of a dog and the physical anguish he suffers.
Why is chaining a dog inhumane?
Dogs are pack animals. In the absence of the pack long ago, we humans have become their pack. When they are isolated from us, they suffer both mentally and physically.
How do they suffer physically?
In many cases, the necks of chained dogs become raw and covered in sores. Dogs have even been found with collars embedded in their necks, the result of years of neglect at the end of a chain. MOST chained dogs are not up to date on shots, and are full of parasitic worms. They are more prone to heartworms and are easily attacked by rabid aniamsl or other dogs or humans passing by.
How do they suffer mentally?
Being ostracized from the pack equates to death for the dog. They struggle to get free, to be with the pack, acting out in many ways—Barking, jumping, biting. They are literally crying out for attention, and their cries go unheeded.
Chained dogs are 2.5 times more likely to bite, due to territorial behaviors that devolop as a result of the mental anguish of living chained or penned.
Who else says chaining dogs is cruel and inhumane?
The HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES and numerous animal experts INCLUDING Peta and the US department of Agriculture.
Are chained or penned dogs otherwise treated well?
Rarely does a chained or penned dog reciece adequate care. Chained dogs suffer due to random feedings, overturend water bowls, inadequate veterinary care, and extreme temperatures. Whats more, due to erratice behavior and the bad smells assiciated with a dog whos never been bathed, chained dogs are rarely given even minimal affection. Backyard dogs are just “part of the scenery” and are typically ignored by the family.
Should chaining and penning ever be allowed?
NO..TO become well-adjusted companion animals, dogs need the social interaction provided by people and other animals. It is the guardians respinsibility to properly restrain her dog, just as it is her reponsibility to provide adequate attention and socialization. Use of a leash or fence is a much more acceptable method.
Are there laws against chaining and penning?
Many communities have passed laws that regulate the practice of chaining dogs. Lawton, OK:Maumelle,AR: and New Hanover,NC are a few communities that prohibit the chaining or tethering of dogs as a means of continuous confinement. Many other communities allow tethering only at xertain times: Montgomery County Maryland for example allows chaining only between the hours of 6am-10pm
Why should we outlaw the continuous chaining and penning of dogs?
A chained dog suffers on so many levels–A cruel fate for what is by nature a highly social animal. Dogs are meant to be companions, not lawn ornaments. Any city, county, or state that bans this pratice is a safer, more humane community. And so are it’s citizens.
The Biggest MYTH
“She’s An Outside Dog”
A dog is not born an “outside dog”. The dog does not CHOOSE to be out there, but is PUT outside by the caregivers. All chained/penned dogs fostered by DDB—From Akitas, Shepherds, and Huskies to the smaller dogs–become so accustomed to living in the house(usually within two days) that they will choose to stay in the house much of the day, even if given free access to a fenced outside area. The home is the den and the feel safe within the home and with their pack.
UNDERSTAND this: ALL dogs are created Equal. ALL dogs are worthy of loving care, regardless of breed or size. Living a life chained by the neck or imprisoned within four tiny walls is truly the ultimate torture for a creature so full of life and love.
Chained dogs long for someone to stop and say “NO! This is NOT ok. I will help you.” For someone to give them what they need most in the world, compassion. For many this never comes.
Dogs Deserve Better…WE will Help
Make a better choice for your companion…
Bring him into the home
Certainly the best option! We will purchase a crate for you to housetrain your dogs: we will come to your home to help you with housetraining:We will foster the dog, housetrain her, and bring her back to you. OUR goal is a better life for your dog. We will do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Fence your yard or walk her on a leash
For yard containment, we suggest you fence the largest portion possible. We will find volunteers to help install fence. We will aid with fencing cost if possible. Walk your dog on a leash, Its great exercise and a bonding time for you both.
Find an inside home for him where he will be safe and happy
Truly loving your dog means you want the best for him or her. Love would not make the choice to chain or otherwise imprison a valued companion. If you realize this but can’t or won’t bring her in, find a home where she will be inside and free of chains. If you choose to place an ad on your own, do not place a FREE TO GOOD HOME ad. These can often be answered by those intending to do harm. Make sure anyone who wants your dog is the real thing, visit the home, and keep your dog safe. You may also try rescue groups for your breed. Under the circumstances, this would be the best gift you could ever give your dog!
Call us for help
We will foster, housetrain, and find your dog a new home. If you haven’t succeeded on your own, please call us. WE WILL HELP YOU…
You can help…Please take this time to do something about it.
For help or information please feel free to email me at any time…I will do what I can or help you find a rep in your area that may be able to help you….
Dogs Deserve Better..NO CHAINS
Area Rep In Missouri
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* 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 *
Hi HarleysMOm,
THANK YOU FOR THIS POST!!!
No dog deserves to have to live as a porch- or yard-ornament.
People who are not willing to take proper care of their dogs shouldn’t have any………..
Greetings,
Sabine and Gang
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“In every puppy lies versatility.
It is your responsibility to develop and enjoy it.”
Great post HarleysMom!!! It sad to think that with the winter months coming there’s still owners who will leave their dogs tethered outside.
Thank you HarleysMom!
Thank you so much for this post!
My sweet Rusty girl, was treated this way. She was my neighbor’s dog, they left outside all of the time, they never paid any attention to her at all, and they never to took her to the vet for her vaccines.
They had her for two years. She would be outside in the summer with no water, and they only fed her two cans of dog food a day. I called the ASPCA and they did nothing about it, the whole time they had her I would climb the fence to give her food, water, and attention. This poor thing did not know how to play!
The whole time they had her I tried to talk them into giving her to me. Then a year ago they were moving and was able to talk them into giving her to me. When I first got her she only weighed 28 pounds, and this is a dog the size of a Border Collie!
Grrrr, sorry this is so long, but this is something that makes me soooooo mad!
Shyloh
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There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.
–Bern Williams
Shyloh – What a great thing you did for Rusty! Thank God you were there for her! Unbelievable what people can do to other beings. And to such a sweet and beautiful dog like Rusty. She definitely is enjoying her life now!
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HarleysMom
Moderator – Working Boxer in Progress…
Joined: 28 Feb 2003
Posts: 1765
Location: Liberty, Missouri
Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2003 11:39 am Post subject:
I agree You did a great thing Shyloh…..Thank you so much for saving your baby from a life on a chain…Thank god you where there and spoke up for this baby when no one else would….You have a great heart and should be very proud of yourself….
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* 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 *
Great post. My rottie enjoys his time outside, but he does prefer inside. I have an insulated doghouse and a heated water bowl for winter, and a spray mister for summer, to make sure his outside time is enjoyable.
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“Whoever said you can’t buy happiness forgot about puppies.”
Gene Hill
Thank you so much for your support.
Whenever Rusty does something that is uniquely Rusty, I get mad all over again that these people did not take care of her.
Shyloh
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There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.
–Bern Williams
Great post HarleysMom…..really makes you wonder why on earth some people get dogs…People like this have so much to learn and in the mean time they should be tied or chained to a tree themselves in the yard.
Shyloh,
How fortunate for Rusty to have had you on the other side of the fence. God bless you for saving her and giving her the home she so much deserves.
Denise
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“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.”
Author Unknown
This is so true! My girls love to play out side but given the choice they dont stay out long they would rather be in with me.