Canine Issues: Reaching Out To People Who Chain Dogs

There are two ways to help a chained dog. You can either report the owners to authorities … or build a relationship with the dog's owner to help fix the issue.

HOLD ON A MINUTE!

Always move with caution because once the issue of chaining is raised, you can either end up helping or hurting the animal. At worst, you will shut down the owner to accepting suggestions or help.

But Tethering Is Illegal Right?

Not always and not everywhere. In some places the animal has to be in immediate danger for law enforcement to act. If you act prematurely and call authorities to check a chained animal, and the dog is apparently fed, has water, and shelter, the owner will win and you will never be able to convince them of the dangers of chaining.

But You Can’t Fix Stupid Right?

Why not? It’s all in the approach. Plus, many people who chain are not stupid, they are either misinformed, are put in a spot because of a move or divorce , or don’t want to give up their dogs because of behavior but don’t know there are alternatives.

So… how can you reach a dog owner who chains?

Get To Know The Owner.

People love compliments, like “what a beautiful animal!” People also love to talk about themselves and their animals. Ask questions, like “how old is he? Or where did you get him?”

Put A Bug In Their Ear

People who chain animals have usually been conditioned to the method over many generations. Their grandparents and parents chained, so they chain. No one was harmed by chaining… but it will make a huge difference to bring them up to par with today’s reality using current stories, like…

“I know a dog that was shot by police, no questions asked because a little dog/child wandered into the yard and was attacked by a chained animal.”

Child and dog…this really has happened to dogs, wolfdogs and dogs mistaken as wolfdogs. (I posted several such stories this year @ Wolfer Magic Facebook)

Highlighting The Bottom Line

If you still see a blank stare… go for the wallet. “Not only did they lose a great dog, they got royally sued and lost everything!”

Offer Alternatives or Help

Is the dog jumping the fence? Suggest fencing that worked for a “friend.”

Is the person physically unable and can’t afford someone to put up a whole new fence? How about offsetting the cost and offering to help install a fence if they supply materials.

Can’t afford a fence at all? Help evaluate costs and set up an online donating spot to get it done. Sources you can start and point friends to: gofundme.com … gogetfunding.com … razoo.com

Help Find New Digs

If all else fails, hopefully you have gained the owner’s trust and opened them up to the sad fact they may have to find a new and happier home for their animal.

If you are a member of Wolfer Magic Facebook, I try to highlight good and respectable rescues each week.

No good or respected rescue will NOT spay or neuter, or NOT screen adopters or NOT do home inspections.

Also if a person who chains wants to keep the animal but is having trouble making fence repairs or lifestyle moves in a timely manner… some dog and wolfdog rescues have foster programs and boarding for emergency or hardship cases.

Most of all, for the sake of the animal, be a friend and confidant to people who chain. It helps.