TETHERING DOG CAN BE BIG MISTAKE

Date: 01-13-1998; Publication: Capital Times (Madison, WI); Author: Dr. Karen Stokes

A client recently asked me what type of fencing I preferred for dogs. I didn't really have a good answer because I think the type of fencing people get is largely based on personal opinion, what they want for their yard, in addition to the personality type of their pooch. Sometimes my answers are more of what not to do. I did have some words of caution about one form of containment -- tethering, or when a pet is tied to a stationary object. I don't recommend tethering unless you are present with your pet.

Many people use this method because they want the convenience fencing offers -- to have their pup outside without constant supervision. Studies have shown that tethering increases aggression in dogs. This aggression may be carried into situations other than tethering -- greeting strangers in the home, for example. There are three main problems with tethering. A dog that is tethered is feeling two instinctive responses immediately. One is a natural territorial defensiveness. She is protecting her property from would-be strangers. This does occur in fenced yards as well, but usually not to the same extreme. Another typical response is a personal defensiveness. This occurs because the dog is anchored, so to speak, and has lost the ability to flee in case of danger. The ``fight or flight'' response is very real and, by tethering a dog, you have inadvertently left it with only one choice, to ``fight.''

The final concern is that unless you are out with your pet the entire time it is tethered, your pup has no protection from outside forces, be they animal or human. I feel there is often miscommunication between dog and person in the best of situations. A tethered pet is the most susceptible to receiving mixed messages from strangers. This can lead to distrust of people. The tethered dog needs to learn how to greet strangers appropriately and not to be afraid of them. Tethering a shy or timid pup is a recipe for disaster. If a fearful pup is left without a means of escape, it often results in fear aggression and bite incidents. Timid dogs must be approached in a very submissive manner, and the average person has a very dominant approach in dog language.

The only time I feel tethering is OK is when you are outside in the yard with the pet and can be available if intervention is necessary. Having your dog tethered out in the front yard while you wash the car, rake leaves or shovel snow is completely fine. I'm sure there are many readers who have tethered their dogs from puppyhood on and have never had a problem. I am very happy for you and breathe a sigh of relief. But your situation is the exception rather than the rule. So what is the best containment for your dog? The regularly scheduled leashed walk is my favorite. You are there to reward proper behaviors and interrupt improper behaviors. You can help your pet greet strangers correctly. You can praise your pup for eliminating in the correct place, you are outside and you can incorporate mini-training sessions during your outings. The leashed walk also is a great way to prevent separation anxiety and attention-seeking disorders. I realize that three 15- to 20-minute walks a day consume about an hour of precious time. That's a commodity not many of us feel we have to spare these days, but there isn't a physical containment situation that doesn't have some potential for problems. A responsive, well-trained dog is the most important tool in any containment situation.