Chaining Your Dog – Is It Cruel Or Not?

You’ve probably seen the photos of neglected or abused dogs tied up to something within a bare yard with no shelter. We all know that using a dog chain in that way is not kind, safe, fair, or acceptable. But is the idea of chaining a dog cruel in and of itself?

Here we look at the ins and outs of chaining your dog.

Why would you need to use a dog chain?

All dog owners have a duty to control their dogs and ensure they do not cause harm to other people or animals. The best way to do that is to keep them on a secure property they can’t escape from and then use dog leashes and leads when out walking.

However, there are instances where a dog might need to be secured via chaining or tethering. If a responsible pet parent opts for this, it would be to keep the dog safe or perhaps to keep an aggressive dog away from other dogs or people (e.g. children) during certain situations.

If you do choose to go down the route of using a dog chain or tether from time to time, it needs to be done with careful consideration and supervision. Every time.

Is chaining your dog cruel?

Dogs are social animals. As companion animals, it’s completely natural for them to bond with humans and other dogs. So their natural tendency is to seek company and interaction both from their four-legged and two-legged friends.  

 Depriving a dog from socialisation and human companionship by keeping it on a chain or rope over prolonged periods will lead to behavioural problems and is cruel. No question.

If a dog is tied up and doesn’t have his basic needs fulfilled then there is cruelty and neglect at play. These are signs of animal abuse. When tethered, dogs should have access to food, water, and shelter at a very minimum. And they should be spending plenty of time off the tether, for their physical and mental health.

If they’re chained to prevent dog aggression or biting, the owner should be working with a professional to help evaluate and rectify the behaviour.

If a dog owner is not willing or able to deal with a dog’s problematic behaviour and uses tethering as a problem solver (for them, not the dog!) or is using it as a method of punishment, it may well be time for a welfare organisation to intervene. They’ll help rehome the dog to a more suitable environment where it will get the love, care and attention it deserves.

Here’s how to report animal abuse appropriately.

What are the dangers of tethering a dog?

Other than depriving a dog of socialisation via isolation and keeping them from interacting with other dogs and humans, some of the other dangers of using a dog chain include:

• Preventing the dog from escaping predators
• Not allowing dogs the opportunity to retreat from other real or perceived threats (which can lead to fear and aggression)
• Exposure to extreme temperatures and adverse weather conditions which can cause hypothermia, heat exhaustion, stroke, and more
• Lack of exercise which can cause obesity and related health conditions like diabetes in dogs
• Strangling or choking

Have you potted a situation where an animal is chained and you believe it to be animal abuse or neglect? Don’t turn a blind eye. Call the appropriate authority.

How you can use a dog chain safely

There are some circumstances in which you might need to use a dog tether for a limited time. For instance, if you need to secure your dog temporarily while they’re with you on holiday. Or to stop your dog from escaping during a move or renovations.

We’d always recommend alternatives like holiday pet care (read about kennels vs pet sitters), doggy daycare, or a dedicated room indoors in these situations if possible.

However, if you have no other choice and must chain your dog, these steps help you do it safely:

• Only use a dog chain or tie when there is someone to supervise your dog
• Make sure there’s nothing in the immediate area the dog could get hooked on or caught up in. This could lead to choking, friction wounds, and even suffocation
• Keep the chain long enough for the dog to have plenty of room. He’ll need to walk around, sit in the shade, reach his food bowl and water, etc
• Take the dog for walks and playtime often and allow as much time as possible off the chain. This should be at least once a day but ideally much more
• Provide shelter for your dog
• Make sure there’s enough fresh water and food available at all times
• Give your dog something to play with to alleviate boredom
• Give him lots of attention and love!

There are also some good guidelines to tethering set out by the Australian Veterinary Association that we Kiwis can take on board.

And of course, find a better way to confine the dog as soon as possible. Using a dog chain is not a mid-term or long-term solution. It’s only something you can turn to in a pinch if you really need to.

Dog insurance for a soft landing

As a great pet parent, you’re always focused on protecting your pet from abuse and other dangers. Why not consider protecting their health with dog insurance? You can get cover for accidents, illness, third party liability, medication, non-routine vet visits and more…