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December 3, 2008

Fellow blogger Patty Khuly over at Dolittler garnered a slew of comments recently when she wrote about tail docking and ear cropping. Her post about an anti-tethering ordinance also got my attention. It made me realize that all of us dog lovers exist in a spectrum of good & better, bad & worse. Sometimes, it’s clear that even the well-educated, much-experienced among us have the occasional contradictory opinion.

For example, I’m generally against “cosmetic” procedures on dogs. But, ear cropping bothers me much more than tail docking does. I could likely develop a cogent argument to support my point. Things like pain levels, recovery times and the like. Clearly, there are humane issues bubbling my head, but the truth is that I also like “the look” of natural ears better than cropped. At the same time, and I know this makes NO sense, I like “the look” of cropped tails on some breeds.

So, does that mean I’ve been sold a bag of goods on appearances? Honestly, I’ve never seen a Dobie or a Rottie (in person) with a natural tail. Maybe if I did, I’d develop a new norm in my head.

I think the same is true for canine confinement issues. Where do these options fit on your spectrum? I’m guessing that your answers might depend on where you live and what’s common there.

  • Tethering (with dog house and without)
  • Crating
  • Dog pens (with dog house and without)
  • Invisible fencing
  • Traditionally fenced yards
  • Outdoor-only dogs

There’s a fair bit of private debate in our rural neighborhood about topics like these. Opinions vary greatly.

Just this week the community received a plea about a lost dog (one who gets loose nearly every day). The kicker? The note said he was dragging his “leash” as if he’d gotten loose while on a walk. But, the truth is that he out dragging a 30-foot tether. A neighbor did find him and tie him back up at home, and a thank you note went out, but I’m not sure the person did him any favors.

Personally, I’m unequivically against tethering, invisibile fencing, and the idea of outdoor-only dogs. The use of other forms of confinement, I believe, can be done well, if used safely for the dog’s temperament and your neighborhood conditions. But, around here, with all the predators, tethering a dog feels like baiting a trap to me. Just my opinion.

About the Author Roxanne Hawn

Trained as a traditional journalist and based in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA, I'm a full-time freelance writer for magazines, websites, and private clients. My areas of specialty include everything in the lifestyles arena, including health and home, personal finance and other consumer interests, relationships and trends, people and business profiles ... and, of course, all things pet related.

I don't just love dogs. I need them in my life. Seriously.

  1. Cosmetic surgery is an interesting topic. My pointer mix has a “natural” tail and its kind of unusual because it curls up over her back like an akita’s tail! One could make an argument that if its properly done and at the right age, what harm? But on the other hand, is it necessary? Could removing dew-claws be seen as “cosmetic”?
    I am glad you mentioned the various methods of confining dogs – this is an important issue!
    I’ve used crates with my dogs and feel its appropriate. It serves as a comfortable place to stay during a variety of situations such as traveling, visiting house guests, storms, potty-training assistance, etc.
    Fenced yards can also be beneficial. It provides, physical protection for parties on both sides of the wall (it keeps people/animals in & out). Whereas invisible fencing seems more risky. It may keep your pets in your yard, but pays no barrier to instruders. In addition, I think an “invisible line” of a fence is a hard concept for some dogs to grasp. Others might be willing to endure the short zap to get to the dog/rabbit/squirrel/person beyond their boundry.
    Tethering can be detrimental on both sides – a tethered dog may respond to intrusion and harass/bite passersby. That same dog may also fall victim to teasing and mistreatment. http://www.DogsDeserveBetter.org and http://www.UnchainYourDog.org are good resources.
    Dog pens can be used constructively. Like a fenced yard, it provides the dog the opportunity to be outside and remain safe. Some attach a dog run to the garage so there is protection from elements. It does bother me to see dogs in outside runs 24/7. It seems hunting dogs are often reserved to this type of confinement.
    It seems to me, there is a very, very small percentage of dogs who legitimately want to be outside, with little/no contact, all the time. It is really frustrating when dogs end up in the yard because they are too boisterous, too big, not trained, not adequately exercised and so on.
    Although dog runs and fenced yards can be used constructively, what I’ve observed is that is a place for the dog to go when the novelty wears off or the responsibility is to much.

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