Don’t Use Tie Downs for Your Dog
One of the most abused pieces of dog equipment is a contraption that effectively anchors a dog to one small area. These things are called by various terms, depending on the region of the country and depending on the country itself. Sometimes they are called: tie outs, stakes, tie downs, drill downs and so on. Basically, it leaves the dog attached to a lead, hooked to an anchor. That anchor is cork screwed into the ground. With the exception of their use by experienced dog sledders to separate and secure their race dogs, I can think of very few other uses for these things. I think they are cruel.
It isolates the dog. Dogs are social creatures. The limited range of travel that the lead provides frustrates the dog and teaches it to fight against the lead. A dog that has been staked out repeatedly will pull at a lead and pull incessantly. This is ideal for the sled dogs, who, by nature, live to run and pull. It is hardly ideal for the average pet. A dog who has learned to fight the lead is a training nightmare for the owner.
The stakes are used usually in open areas. This does not provide any security for the dog. Dogs are, by nature, den animals. You will see that dogs like to have something above their heads. Perhaps their favourite place is under your computer table (as you read the articles on DogReader), under the dining room table, in their kennel or anywhere that affords them overhead protection. The stake out does not allow this. It is in the open and leaves them feeling vulnerable (and indeed they are vulnerable) to attacks by other dogs. And, if they are attacked, they are hampered severely in defending themselves by the limits of their stake out lead.
When these anchoring devices are used, it is often difficult to put them into the ground where there is shade. The roots of trees prevents placement in many shady areas. For some dogs who are placed in the shade, their misfortune is that the sun and shade moves. The anchor stays and the dog is at the mercy of the elements. And, with the heat of summer, this could be deadly for the animal.
These devices are available at pets stores and online. I think that the people that use these things, with the exception of the racing people, have neither the time nor the inclination to teach their dogs, so that they do not have to be tethered to the ground. They would rather restrain a dog rather than spend the time to train that dog. I just wish those people using these things would rethink why these stake out devices are necessary in the first place.
Catherine Forsythe
8 Comments
BlackOrk
October 21st, 2007
at 4:15pm
But I think we have to use it, cuz we are just not alone with the dog in this world or in this area and are not such good leaders for it. Of course you shoudn’t use it when we have closed area and good exp.
DogsRule
October 22nd, 2007
at 4:33am
Perpetual tethering, or the 24/7 use of a tie down, is perhaps one of the most frequently overlooked forms of animal abuse, cruelty and neglect.
It has been scientifically proven that dogs ARE pack animals and that life on the end of a chain is detrimental to their well-being.
All too often dogs placed on the end of a chain fall victim to the out of sight/out of mind mentality and frequently do not receive regular feedings or the replenishment of fresh water along with necessary veterinary care.
Chained dogs are subjected to many more health risks than dogs who live as part of the family including worms, fleas, ticks, rabies, attacks from other animals and even humans.
Chaining actually increases the possibility for any dog to become aggressive and/or territorial and can ultimately pose a danger to those, including children, who wander into their territory.
24/7 chaining is a dog fighter’s best friend. Legislation that seeks to limit tethering to a specific number of hours in a day is one way to help eliminate dog fighting enterprises that are known to encourage illegal gambling, the sale and/or use of drugs, guns and other unsavory contraband.
There’s a reason why dogs are referred to as “man’s best friend.” Dogs ARE companion animals – not lawn ornaments!
Don’t Chain Your Dog!
Annie Leo
October 22nd, 2007
at 6:37pm
It is illegal to tie down a dog in Pima County (Tucson) Arizona. Too many dogs have died because they knock over or can’t reach their water dish. Additionally, several have died when they have been unable to escape a killer be attack.
precious
October 23rd, 2007
at 2:20pm
Ouch, that is so cruel. Your point that dogs are social animals especially. I know my dogs would give up shade and den to follow me insistently.
Tie-Downs May Be Illegal at Catherine’s Flying Hamster Blog
November 28th, 2007
at 11:53pm
[...] have been discussed in this space previously. Soon, using this method to tether a dog may be [...]
Jeremy
May 25th, 2009
at 8:44am
I absolutely, 100% disagree with this absurd article. Some people simply cannot afford or do not even want a fence to close off their property. A tie down with a 50′ cable is more than enough space for the dog to get ample exercise, and basically do everything it would, had there been a fence in place.
I use 3 tie downs for my 3 doberman pinschers, and I wouldn’t recommend anything else. They are all extremely healthy, and for the fools talking about the dogs knocking over their water/food dish, maybe you should put it further away, at the very end of the lead, so that they can’t knock it over.
Simple logic people. These things work.
Matt Hartley
May 25th, 2009
at 5:03pm
The fact that I have to chime in is simply sad, really, are some animal owners really THAT STUPID? Some of these individuals point out that they have raised their dogs this way for years, as if doing something stupid for extended periods of time somehow means it is “working well”.
Simple math people – if you cannot not afford to care for a dog PROPERLY, you cannot afford the dog.
As “safe” as those tie down options look, anyone with a fourth grade education knows that they do create a frustrated dog over time.
Ever have cabin fever with humans? This is much the same thing as what a dog feels when they are so restricted that they cannot release some of their excess energy. This is not a debatable thing, any simple Google query or question to a dog expert will indeed point out that this is a proven fact.
Most folks find false comfort is in NOT SEEING frustrated behavior right away. Yes, it is often not something that rears its head for years. Starts off playful. Excessive jumping, nipping, pulling on the leash, etc. Then it rolls into being overly territorial and on down the line from there.
Now some simple exceptions are to be considered.
1) You can leave the dog tied down for less than 10 minutes ONLY to relieve themselves. And you are also walking that dog once every day. Again, this is pet owner 101…
2) if you are using a sliding tied down that is on a cloths line that provides a tremendous amount of free movement. And again, the dog is not tied down for *hours at a time*. Walks, walks and more walks. Even a backyard is NEVER a substitute.
My wife’s aunt has 20+ years as an animal control officer, she would be the first to tell you that folks such as Jeremy are raising ticking time bombs. Thankfully we have local statutes against stupidity in my neck of the woods. And I live in what some deem as a hillbilly like area!
BTW, a little 101 on Doberman’s….
Quote: “This dog needs space and exercise to burn off his energy. He will not tolerate being tied up. Regular brushing is required.”
Source: http://www.furrycritter.com/resources/dogs/Doberman_Pinscher.htm
Matt Hartley
May 25th, 2009
at 5:08pm
I would also point out that Jeremy will mention again that the dog has tremendous amounts of space in which to run. And i am sure they do. It’s not enough. A yard is not enough, you must walk them and with a dog like he has, they must be walked at least once a day for a well adjusted dog.
But this is not convenient for most people I guess….it’s better to convince ourselves that sticking a dog in what is basically a virtual boxed area (of any size) translates into plenty of activity. Sad, truly sad.