Why 'Tethering' Your Dog is Inhumane
What You're Really Doing to Your Dog
You've seen it before, or maybe even you are guilty of doing this to a pet dog: keeping the dog controlled on a leash or thick chain that is attached to a stationary object in your yard...for hours, days, months...even years. You may think that you're doing your dog no harm and simply just keeping him from digging a hole under your backyard fence and escaping forever. Well, the truth is, you would be doing your dog more of a favor by letting him roam free rather than keeping him bottled up in one area for long periods of time. By keeping him tethered, you're exposing your dog to physical and psychological damage. And not only that...you are also putting other human beings at risk of bodily harm. A dog isn't meant to be tied up in one place all day. Otherwise, they would be born with a leash around their neck, right?
Dogs Are Very Social Animals That Need Regular Human/Dog Interaction
Dogs love to be around their owners and other dogs that they are familiar with, and regular social interaction is a "must" for their psychological well-being. Being tethered in the backyard and ignored all day deprives them of that need. The tethered animal becomes bored, frustrated, and neurotic as they watch the world "pass them by" from their limited little space. When the dog feels threatened by someone or something, their "fight-or-flight" instincts take over, except they obviously can't validate the "flight" part of the "fight-or-flight." This of course, means the dog is ready to aggressively "fight" their perceived threat, which could include an innocent jogger passing by or a small child wanting to "pet the nice doggy." Keeping a dog constantly exposed defensively ruins your dog's mild and friendly nature because he will always have to keep his guard up instead of having the freedom to run away from their threats. Therefore, if your "not-so-nice-anymore doggy" happens to bite that innocent child and you're slapped with a lawsuit, it's nobody's fault but your own. If you truly love your dog and want to keep him and take care of him properly, make him an official part of your family by letting him inside your house. A dog isn't called "man's best friend" for no reason; they love you and want to be by your side, rain or shine. A dog will stay loyal to you to the grave, so appreciate your canine companion and bring him in your home where he belongs.
Tethering harms your dog physically, too
When a dog is constantly outdoors and have limited shelter from the elements of nature, they become vulnerable to outbreaks of fleas, ticks, beestings, and other insects which make your dog's living quarters uncomfortable. His leash could become tangled around your dog's legs or neck, possibly causing injury and death. They are forced to reside along with their urine and feces, which isn't sanitary or humane in the slightest. They may accidentally kick over their water bowl during their anxious attempts to escape their tethered situation, which leads to dehydration.
If you want to keep a dog, part of that responsibility is frequent social interaction
Like I've already mentioned, dogs are social creatures, and their owners are responsible for meeting that need, so unchain your dog and go play fetch or frisbee with him. Take them for a run along the beach or a swim in the lake. Your dog will be smiling his doggy grin from ear to ear, and you will have a loyal furry pal for life. Stop imprisoning him. And if you witness a dog being the victim of tethering, quietly report the owner. You're doing a good deed! Let's get these guys out of prison and into the family life that they deserve.
