What is the meaning of "chained dog"?
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.
Why is it wrong to keep a dog on a
chain?
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.
What does the law say about chaining
dogs?
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 there is no law banning the chain,
what can I do to help a tied dog?
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. UnchainYourDog.org offers some practical suggestions for what you might say when you speak to the dog's owners:
- I am a volunteer with the humane society and am stopping by to offer some free resources for your dog.
- I live nearby, and saw your dog in the backyard. I have a doghouse/a sturdy, spill-proof water bowl/ some dog toys or chews/a running line/ a chain swivel/ fencing materials I don't have any use for. Can you use it for your dog?
- I notice your dog lives on a chain. I'm sure he'd like some exercise. Can I take him for a walk?
- I love shepherds (or whatever breed the
dog is). My dog died and I really miss
him. Can I go back and meet your dog?
What is his name?
If the owner is receptive, you have made a
start on helping the dog. Visit the dog as
often as you can without being a nuisance.
Find out why the dog is chained. It may be
a problem you can help with, financially or
in some practical way. If the dog is not "fixed"
and runs off whenever it can or if it habitually
escapes from a fence, a spay or neuter or
an improved fence will help. If the dog is
chained because the owners don't want or care
about it, you can offer to find it another
home or to buy it from them. (If you feel
they will take your money and get another
dog to chain, then obviously this approach
is pointless.)
Many dogs have had their lives gradually changed
and many others have eventually gone to good
and loving homes because someone like you
cared enough to intervene. See for example
the stories of
Gus,
Cuddles
and
Maggie
at
UnchainYourDog.org.
NOTE: The New Brunswick SPCA
is not responsible for the content provided
within the website above. If you find questionable
content or have questions regarding their
website, please contact
their web department.
Can a "chained" dog learn to be a
good house dog?
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.
Click on the links below for more information,
frequently asked questions, resources and
downloads.
