Fencing vs. tie out for a dog

flannelberry · #1 04/05/06, 02:31 PM

Ok - since I seem to like starting dog related debates...

I'm curious about the tie out vs. fenced yard issue.

Let me state - just to be really open and honest - I used to consider a tied out dog to be an abused dog. Even if shelter, food and water were provided, I just thought it was wrong.

Then I got a Pyr and discovered that sometimes, there is just no other choice. She's not tied out all day everyday, but she has been tied out for as long as eight hours at a stretch (especially if we have to do fence repairs!)

So, I am curious to understand -given that you have two dogs who are equally well loved, socialized, fed/watered, provided shelter and you don't have the dog tied when you aren't home - what is the real concern?

I did read the link on the other thread that prompted me to ask this question and I wondered if it's a bit of a rural/ urban issue. There is no way anyone should be near my dog, she's tied at the house which is no where near a road or passers by. I also had the sense (from that article) that it also has to do with teaching kids about how you treat dogs, but that's another issue.

I can also say that the issue of being "hard necked" as a result hasn't been an issue for us - but I've only had one dog that I've ever done this with.

Alright - open fire.

Grandmotherbear · #2 04/05/06, 02:36 PM

My neighbors dog hung herself. They had fixed up a run with a sliding leash attachment sort like a zip line- their lot was level, they didn't THINK the dog- only a little higher than knee high - could jump over it but somehow she did- sevral times- shortening the leash and trapping the moveable slider. They had never seen any evidence of the ;eash being tangled up in the zip line before.

daytrader · #3 04/05/06, 02:37 PM

The real concern is other animals attacking your dog while you are out.

BaronsMom · #4 04/05/06, 02:39 PM

United States Department of Agriculture doesn’t allow tie out (they call it tethering) as a permanent method of confinement for dogs under its jurisdiction. The Humane Society of the United States describes tethering as a permanent method of confinement as inhumane. Some localities have laws restricting it.

There is a really good article I posted on the other thread...discussing tie outs as a means of confinement.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Con...106&A=1829&S=0

We had a boston terrier and no fenced yard. When he had to go out, we tied him out for short times and brought him back in the house - he was usually out only 15 minutes at a time. But, it was NOT good for him. The only time he ever acted aggressive was when he was on the tether....he was fine on a leash and in the house.

We'll never tie a dog out again.

JAK · #5 04/05/06, 02:42 PM

I think it is OK as a temporary measure, like if you are visiting a friend, or if he doesn't spend a lot of time on it and you take him for a lot of walks and places he can run free. I think a long tether is better than a small dog run. Of course the dog should never be put in a situation where he is threatened or feels threatened and restrained from running or defending himself, so it depends a lot on where you live, and the dog of course. Sled dogs are used to being tethered, but you shouldn't have a real sled dog unless you use him as a real sled dog, and use him a lot. They shouldn't be left to rot all summer either, as happens sometimes. That is the worst kind of abuse. It's also stupid. How would anyone expect a dog to perform after an experience like that?

What makes no sense is people that have dogs but don't spend any time with them. That's what cats are for.

crashy · #6 04/05/06, 03:02 PM

I think fenced is best but if you must tether well so be it. I do NOT think a dog should spend its life tied to a chain. Our neighbors had a dog and she lived her whole life that way how sad and mean!!!
Our dog was tied while we fixed the fence it was an all day thing when we let her go we hadn't noticed but she had spun the cable she was tied to all tight so that made her choke chain twist as well it was so tight I could not get my fingers under her collar her tongue was blue I was so scared!!! Hubby went and got a pair of dykes and we got it cut off her so now our yard is properly fenced and NO choke chain or tether for that matter. If we need to put the dogs up in the garage they go!!

daytrader · #7 04/05/06, 03:09 PM

Our house dogs love their thethers. They are only on them normally for 5 mins at a time. They go out and do the deal and come back in. UNLESS it is 60-70 and sunny. Then they go out and lay in the sun for EVER till they want back in.

For keeping a dog out side all the time. A fence is a must. So is good shelter.

daytrader · #8 04/05/06, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daytrader

Our house dogs love their thethers. They are only on them normally for 5 mins at a time. They go out and do the deal and come back in. UNLESS it is 60-70 and sunny. Then they go out and lay in the sun for EVER till they want back in.

For keeping a dog out side all the time. A fence is a must. So is good shelter.

I also hate chocker chains. What is the use of them??????????

flannelberry · #9 04/05/06, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaronsMom

United States Department of Agriculture doesn’t allow tie out (they call it tethering) as a permanent method of confinement for dogs under its jurisdiction. The Humane Society of the United States describes tethering as a permanent method of confinement as inhumane. Some localities have laws restricting it.

I actually stated in the initial post not for a permanent method of confinement.

wvpeach1963 · #10 04/05/06, 03:17 PM

I have a six year old male that has to be tied.
As he can get out of normal kennels .
Even with a elaborate roof system installed he finds a way out.
I know he would wonder the neighborhood while we were at work
and even though I don't think he'd bite a person couldn't say if he was threatened
he wouldn't bite.
He's become so good at slipping his chain and collars now, that not only is he tied we have to padlock his collar and chain so he can't get loose.
I have three other dogs that lay happily on the porch till we get home from work.
I see no choice but to chain him for his protection and just to be sure because of the neighbors dogs.
I love my dogs, but they are not like kids I have tried training him he's to stay in his kennel when put there. Usally within five minutes he's out and wagging his tail at the front door. He's came out of a ten foot high covered kennel.
I don't think another 2 ft would make any difference .
We've taken to calling him hudini dog.
So he leaves me no choice.

BaronsMom · #11 04/05/06, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flannelberry

I actually stated in the initial post not for a permanent method of confinement.

Yes. And that's why I posted the link because it talks about the difference and people don't know the difference. They use the tie out incorrectly - even for extended periods of time not thinking it is really confinement.

The trainer talks about being outdoors with your dog when tied out and for only short periods. (it also talks about an option of tieing your dog to your waist - would love to see that action if a rabbit bounds by!)

x_xbirdie · #12 04/05/06, 03:31 PM

My dog is tied out for a a few hours at a time. As my mother and I just moved, we don't have fencing yet. We were thinking about a run, but we got the larger property for him, why confine him? So we stick with the chain. Although he has a snag-it collar our nieghbor gave us. The buckle will break if it is pulled to a certain pressure, so no hanging/choking for him. If anyone wants, I'll ask her what kind of buckle she used.

But all in all, I think its fine to tie out your dog as long as hes not on it 24/7

okgoatgal2 · #13 04/05/06, 03:34 PM

the purpose of choke collars is to train dogs humanely to walk on a leash and for obedience training. when used PROPERLY they are not abusive at all. they are NOT meant for a permanent collar, only supposed to be used when training the dog, then taken off. too many people do NOT know how to use them properly. i've had to tie my dogs a few times, i don't like it, but sometimes circumstances demand it. it did teach one dog NOT to jump out of the fence. she hated being tied and related it to me catching her outside the fence when we lived in town.

Dahc · #14 04/05/06, 03:38 PM

I have a flat-coated retriever and a golden that basically can't be tied. They have broken everything we've tied them with. They started out with run lines but they broke them. Then it was 3/16" steel cable leashes and they broke them too. Then it was 30" lengths of chain, but they broke the clip that attached it to the collar, then we replaced the clips with closing chain links but they broke their collars...

Needless to say, they are in there own 30x15x8 pen. My main concern for tied dogs is water. It gets pretty hot here and if they were to run out of water, they could die within 6-7 hours.

Crystal H · #15 04/05/06, 03:47 PM

We have 2 heelers and they were raised for most of their life in fenced suburband bck yard. When we moved out to the wide open with no fencing we had a bit of a dilema. Most of our neighbors are cattle /dairy farmers. They will and do shoot dog that menace their livestock.

We have invested in underground fence and the dogs wear a collar that gives them a "reminder" not to go past the "border" . Currently, they are able to run around on about 6 acres They are safe and healthy. These fences are not cheap. I understand that it can be installed up to 20 acres

We love ours. and I think it's been the best thing for our family and pooches.

Crystal

punkrockpilot · #16 04/05/06, 04:23 PM

We have an very old yellow lab that came from the shelter. He MUST be tied up almost all the time. If he is not tied up he gets nervous and starts crying and barking. He is also terrified of rain, thunder, heck - it gets cloudy he freaks out. We have no idea what happened to him before we took him in - but it must have been bad. He will climb right over a 5' chain link fence and this is a really old dog. It must be fear driving him. He prob. does not have much time left - he has a very nice dog house, food, water and love and will spend his last few months or years happily tied up when he is not going for a walk.

flannelberry · #17 04/05/06, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaronsMom

Yes. And that's why I posted the link because it talks about the difference and people don't know the difference.

Thanks for clarifying that!

Paranoid · #18 04/05/06, 05:36 PM

i guess if you hate your dog you can stake it out in the yard somewhere, but if taking care of it is so hard that you'd rather neglect it, why not give it away, or even cut to the chase and just euthanize it?

ceresone · #19 04/05/06, 05:57 PM

didnt read all the posts--didnt want to. i still think tieing a dog out is abuse, would you like to be tied to a tree all day, with a noose about your neck? nor do i want to see a dog run loose, average life span for a free running dog is 3 years.
if you cant give it a fenced yard, and treat it right, dont have it.
sorry, usually keep my mouth shut on dog related issues, but i've been working outside, i'm hot and tired, and thread just hit me wrong.

wvpeach1963 · #20 04/05/06, 07:21 PM

Punkrockpilot,
I think it must be goldens. I have a ten year old golden who's scared to death of thunder. Really sets him in a funk. He will sit outside in the rain till I let him in if he hears thunder.

You people should all grow up. Dogs are different. Some dogs have to be tied to confine them properly or they'd be out in traffic or down at the neighbors.

just like crate training they don't mind it as long as they know it's a rountine and you will be back to turn them loose.

Its the silliest thing I ever heard,all the hypocritical,a dog should never be tied.
I bet most of you that don't tie dogs also don't work outside your homes.

My dogs are spoiled and loved and being tied up for thier own good while I'm at work doesn't seem to have bothered them a bit.