Responsible Ownership
Dog Containment
The American Dog Breeders Association Inc. (ADBA) favors all forms of dog containment to the owner’s property. We have found that as long as a dog is trained, socialized, exercised, and given proper attention, the containment method used is not a factor in its behavior or temperament. Dog behavior only becomes problematic when a dog is not properly trained, not properly socialized, and not given proper attention.
All dogs need to have some freedom within limitations. Constant kenneling, constant chaining, or constantly living on a cable run with no off time makes a dog highly protective, even obsessive of its territory. The ADBA believes that the individual dog owner is the best authority to choose from this list of approved methods of dog containment, with added specifications, for his/her dog(s).
KENNELING:
A kennel must be large enough for a dog to comfortably have shelter from the elements, enough movement room with a place to eliminate body waste. A concrete slab floor or patio block floor over sand is an ideal method to prevent digging escape and ease of cleaning. Other methods include placing wire fencing on the bottom, covered in dirt or pine chips. The top must be secure and escape proof with a cover for protection from the elements. Shade must be provided at all times. A rubber mat or a horse stall mat in the sleeping area prevents pressure sores. The dog should be taken out of the kennel daily for training, playtime, exercise, and/or attention. Constant inspection and maintenance is required of any containment type used.
STEEL CABLE RUN:
A 1/2 inch diameter steel cable is run tautly between two in-ground mounts that are made of bent rebar sunk in concrete twelve feet apart and two feet deep, leaving a six inch high loop of rebar above ground level. The cable is to be secured with hammer down cable fasteners. Large steel O-ring, complete with a swivel to correct any twisting of the chain, attaches to the steel cable. The chain should be six feet long with test chain strength of 800 lbs. to a max of 1,000 lbs. This is sufficient for most adult dogs. The collar should be of buckle type, leather or nylon – not chain – with a welded O-ring with swivel for chain attachment and of a strength and quality that is equivalent to the test strength of the chain. The collar should be tight enough to prevent escape while loose enough to allow two fingers to be able to slip under it. Collars must be checked regularly to insure proper fit. The run area must be free from entanglement obstructions. The dog must have adequate housing to protect it from the elements and shade must be provided at all times. The dog should have several off cable times each day for training, play, exercise, and/or attention. A perimeter fence should be in place to prevent trespass by children or animals not belonging to the dog owner. Constant inspection and maintenance is required of any containment type used.
TETHERING:
A strong center mount attachment may be employed to safely tether a dog. That mount may be made of a length of rebar bent into a hairpin shape and sunk in cement two feet deep, leaving four inches of the bend above ground or any other strong, escape-proof type mount, including an automobile axel. Large steel O-ring complete with a swivel to correct any twisting of the chain of sufficient strength that it cannot be broken. The chain must be at a minimum five times the length of the dog. The collar should be of buckle type, leather or nylon – not chain – with a welded O-ring with swivel for chain attachment and of a strength and quality that is equivalent to the test strength of the chain. The collar should be tight enough to prevent escape while loose enough to allow two fingers to be able to slip under it. Collars must be checked regularly to insure proper fit. Remove any entanglement obstacles from the immediate area. Adequate shelter must be provided along the perimeter of the tether area to protect the dog comfortably from the elements. Shade must be available at all times of the day. The dog should have daily off tether times each day for training, play, and/or attention. A perimeter fence should be in place to prevent the trespass by children or animals not belonging to the dog owner. Constant inspection and maintenance is required of any containment type used.
HOUSEDOGS:
Dogs whose owners contain them to the house or apartment must ensure that his/her dog receives adequate exercise to maintain a healthy cardio-vascular system. Housedogs need time outside in the sunlight to absorb vitamin D. Housedogs are prone to having toenail breakage and they must have proper toenail care. Often housedogs become overweight due to excess amounts of food and lack of exercise. Going outside should be more than just a trip for elimination of bodily waste. Many owners of active, physical ability breeds utilize exercise equipment when time and/or surroundings restrict running/playtime. Housedogs need training, socialization, and playtime / exercise.
IN CONCLUSION;
In today’s society, dog containment is necessary to protect not only the animal but also the neighbors patience and interaction with their animals, as well as the dog owner of him/herself from liability. ADBA approves all of the above methods as long as the dog has adequate attention, exercise, care, and nurturing. All equipment must be regularly maintained to prevent injury or escape of the dog. Each owner’s property will differ, so no one method works for all. The key to having a healthy, happy dog is it is all around care and nurturing. That care and nurturing must include training, socialization, attention, and exercise and play time.
Additional info to fight proposed tethering laws can be found on the NCRAOA website:
Link to Cornell article:
https://adbadog.com/wp-content/uploads/Cornell_study_on_tethering_and_pen.pdf
also the NCRAOA brochure:
https://ncraoa.com/humane-tethering-penning/
and general resources incl. other studies against:
https://ncraoa.com/tethered-vs-non-tethered/
NCRAOA has additional information on tethering laws – go to
www.ncraoa.com/
