I'm just wondering whats your thought on chaining a dog?

[Karen]

No, I don't think he's trying to create controversy, and this being Pet Talk, we can do our best to have a thoughtful, discussion, and if we disagree, do it with respect.


Think of chained dogs reminds me of my beloved uncle's much treasured Border Collie, Molly. I have spoken of her on Pet Talk many times in the past. Molly was a working dog, every ounce a Border Collie. She worked the farm with Mac, herded anything she could, and was, as I said, much loved. However, whenever Mac was going to be gone for a while and he couldn't take Molly, she'd be on a chain in the yard. As a kid, of course, I asked why!

Turns out her herding instincts overruled everything. If they left her in the house by herself, she'd destroy a door (dig at the wood until it gave way, hurting her paws in the process) or window to get out and either look for them, or herd anything that moved. That included cars, which was of course, dangerous to both Molly and any drivers. So she had a chain outside the kitchen door, and would run in circles trying to herd something - airplanes passing overhead? and wore a circle into the dirt.

But by being chained when Mac wasn't home, she was kept safe, and lived to a ripe old age.

[MonicanHonda]

Well, I don't agree with chaining. The only instances I've ever had with chained dogs is that they became territorial and aggressive. One neighbor kept their german shepherd chained to the inside of the garage, but could reach the grass to potty, and it had shelter food and water in the garage. He was very territorial and would only become friendly once he was used to you. He ended up biting the mail man and needing to be put to sleep or they would be sued.

My husband's old neighbor keeps their dog on a chain. I feel so bad for this thing... they do not care for him at all. He walks in his own feces which they never pick up. Well, the dog never used to be aggressive, but one day I was walking up their shared driveway (The dog used to be able to get somewhat in the driveway), and there was a car in the way. I went around it and the dog lunged and snapped at me. He caught my jeans with his tooth and left me a nice red mark with some ripped jeans. I was severely p*ssed off. Haha But now, the poor dog lunges and barks at everything that moves. And, something happened to the poor dog, and his little tail is missing the end now. They're horrible owners, and not so nice people. :-/

It does seem that your dogs are happy and healthy. They definitely look like they love you so you're doin' something right.

[Indigo Bully Connection]

I really don't have a problem with tethering your dog. I know you love the bajesus out of your dogs marty and they never go without your love and attention. I think as an owner you need to be watchful for any anxiety issues that may occur. Some dogs live happy lives being tethered, and some just cannot cope with it. Just like some dogs aren't good for crates or kennels. You just have to know what will work for you and your animal. Ultimately, your animal will live however/wherever you chose for it to, but as a responsible owner we need to find out the propper confinement for our individual dogs.

EDIT: BTW, everyone I know those look like huge chains, but they are not, Marty uses the lightest weight chain possible. He is well aware of the damage that can be caused by impropper tethering.