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The Backyard Dog Dilemma
&
What You Should Know
*Dog Behavior
of the Backyard Dog
The most widely held misconception about
dogs is the belief that they will be healthy and happy living in
the backyard only. Nothing is further from the truth. Current studies
in psychology show that dogs isolated in backyards are highly likely
to develop serious behavior problems. Many will often result with
a problem resulting in euthanasia for the animal.
Understanding
Dogs
. Dogs are Pack Animals Thriving
on Companionship
. Dogs are Den Animals. They like safe, quiet and secure
places to sleep, hangout and rest.
. More Behavior Problems When Left Outside
.These dogs are Harder to Train
. Backyard dogs Are Not Guard Dogs
(guard dogs are trained for that purpose
.They Have a Higher Rate of Euthansia
Dogs are social, more so
than humans. Denied access to human living space can result in behavior
and health problems. YOU are the dogs'
pack and he wants to be with his pack. Forcing you dog to live outside
with little or no human companionship is one of the most psychologically
damaging things a pet owner can do to his dog.
Never Tie
or Chain Your Dog Up Outside
WHY?
1. Dogs chained or tied outside
suffer extreme frustration, which can result in hyperactivity and/or
aggression against you, your family or friends.
2. Dogs tied up cannot escape
from other animals or people who mean to do them harm.
3. Dogs that are tied can easily
become entangled and do bodily harm to themselves.
If he tried to become a fence jumper he can hang himself.
4. DON'T kick
him out because you think he is un-trainable, unruly or because
it is good for him to be outside. Instead, take the time to make
him a part of your family, a part of your pack.
Who says tethering
or chained dogs is inhumane?
The Humane Society of the United
States, and numerous experts, U.S. Department (USDA) issued a statement
in the July 2, 1996 Federal Register against tethering.
Aren't chained or tethered dogs
treated well?
These dogs suffer from sporadic
feedings, overturned water bowls, inadequate veterinary care, and
extreme temperatures. During extreme heat they may not receive adequate
water or protection from the sun. People don't spend much time if
any with them when it rains, is windy, too cold or too hot.
They are often neurotic in behavior,
which makes it difficult to approach them. Chained dogs are very
rarely given even the minimal affection. They become more "part
of the scenery" and can become easily ignored by their owners.
Are
the areas in which these dogs are confined comfortable?
NO
These dogs have to eat, sleep,
urinate, and defecate in a single confined area. Owners who chain
their dogs are also less likely to clean the area. Although where
there may
have been grass at one time, the area usually is so beaten down
by the dog's pacing that the ground consists of nothing but dirt
or mud when it rains.
A chained animal is caught
in a vicious cycle of frustration by long periods of boredom and
social isolation. He becomes a shell of his former self.
No human interactions and kindness. In the
end, the helpless dog suffers the frustration of watching the world
go by in isolation. This is a cruel
fate for what is by nature a highly social animal.
What can I do?
Remember first and foremost
that your dog is a pack animal and looks to you for leadership and
love.
. Give your dog a chance to
be your friend
. Your dog is a pack animal needing others around him.
. Don't make the backyard your dog's only home. Make him part of
your family
. Keep your dog with you! Your dog should have living space whenever
you are home. This includes sleeping inside your house at night.
He can lay next to you when you watch T.V. at your computer, or
sleep near you. These things are very important to his mental well
being.
Dogs Deserve Better www.dogsdeservebetter.com
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