If you are the owner of a chained dog, here are some things you can do to make your pup’s life better.
- Bring your dog inside! Your dog may need some help with housetraining and behavior to be a good inside dog. The one and only thing he wants is to be part of his human pack — so he’ll be eager to learn how to please you.
- Put up a fence in the yard. This will give your dog a chance to explore a wider area AND make it easier to approach your dog. A dog lunging at the end of a chain to say hello isn’t always easy to greet. A fence doesn’t have to be expensive if you’re able to do some of the work yourself. Tips for stopping yard escapes.
- Try a pulley or trolley system if you can’t put up a fence. This gives the dog more freedom of movement than a fixed-point chain. A lightweight tie-out is another alternative to a fixed-point chain — twenty to thirty feet of line on a stake that screws into the ground to give your dog more area for movement.
- Get your dog spayed or neutered. This helps keep your dog close to home, since he or she won’t want to be looking for a mate. Sterilization can also help protect your pet from several types of cancer.
- Replace old and ill-fitting collars. You should be able to fit two fingers between your dog’s neck and the collar.
- Provide fresh water and food every day. Keep an eye on the water bowl to make sure it hasn’t tipped over.
- Provide shelter from the elements. Protect your dog from the worst weather by bringing him inside.
- Give your dog toys and rawhide chews for stimulation.
- Take the dog for walks. Here are some dog walking tips!
- Take your dog to obedience school to help him be a better citizen. General training tips.
- Stay up to date on flea, tick, heartworm, and other parasite preventatives.
If you are concerned about a chained dog that is not yours, here are some things you can do to help.
- Get to know the dog’s owner.
- Call your local animal control office or humane society if you see a dog without food, water or shelter, or a dog who is visibly sick or infested with parasites. In most areas, it is considered cruel to leave a dog without food, water, and shelter and to not provide medical care.
- Don’t be afraid to follow up if you DO call out the authorities. This dog needs someone to be his voice.
- Offer to buy the chained dog from his owner. Even if you can’t keep the dog yourself, you can help rehabilitate him and find him a good forever home.
- Offer to take the chained dog for walks.
- Toss toys and treats to the dog.
- Educate people about chaining. The Humane Society, the ASPCA, and PETA offer materials you can distribute to help get the word out about cruelty.
- Work to change laws in your community to limit or ban chaining.