We use the term to describe an animal who is tied, by chain, rope, cord or whatever, to a fixed or stationary object all or most of the time. Usually the chained dog lives outside and often the chain is fastened to a doghouse or other sort of structure.

The practice is inhumane and it is dangerous. The dog is descended from and closely related to the wolf, and like the wolf, the dog is a pack animal. This means that dogs by nature are social creatures that need to live in family groups. Interaction with its human family and other animals is vital to any dog. When kept chained in one spot 24/7, day after day, month after month, deprived of family life, the dog becomes frustrated, anxious, and eventually neurotic. Tied by the neck, he is unable to defend his family or himself. He is subject to teasing and other abuse from children or cruel people. Often the dog's neck grows raw from improperly fitted collars and constant straining against the chain. 

Even if his physical needs are provided for, the chained dog suffers psychological damage. Lonely and frustrated, he can become very possessive of his small space and grows increasingly aggressive. Statistics show that the chained dog is 2.5 times more likely to bite than the dog living inside with its family.&

The New Brunswick SPCA Act requires dog owners to provide adequate food, water, shelter and care. There is no law against chaining in New Brunswick. SPCA inspectors and other animal protection workers called to investigate a chained dog cannot make its owner bring the animal into the home or even put it in a pen. They can only try to convince the dog's owner that chaining is cruel and potentially dangerous.

If you are concerned about a dog you see in somebody else's yard, there are things you can do to improve the life of that dog. Observe the animal carefully. If it is thin, or without water, if it is matted or infested with fleas, if it looks sick or if it lacks a proper dog house, this may be a case where the SPCA can act. 

Often however, you can do more for the dog than an SPCA officer can. Before you act, think first of all about your own safety. If the dog lives where people seem antisocial or frightening or dangerous, ask us for some printed materials that you can discretely leave for them or give us the address and we will mail a brochure directly to the dog's owners. If you are comfortable with a more direct approach, look for an opportunity to get acquainted with dog's family before introducing the subject of the chain. When you have your chance to talk about the dog, be friendly, respectful and noncritical in what you say. It is important not to make the owner angry.

Dogs are like children. They need exercise, discipline and love. And like children, dogs don't know how to behave until they are taught. 

A dog who has spent its life on a chain can become a reliable house pet, but the transition from chained dog to well-behaved companion dog will take work, patience and commitment. Most likely the dog will have to be housetrained, taught basic commands and how to walk on a leash. All puppies have to be taught these things. The older dog often learns more quickly. 

Yes, chained dogs are successfully making the transition to good house dog everyday because someone like you cared enough to act on their behalf.

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