All Dog Info

How odd. Did something happen to him when he was out on the line? I have heard of dogs refusing to move when they are on a tie-out but never acting this traumatized. How is he on the leash? Do you tie the line to something or is it on one of those overhead zip lines? Have you ever left him out there while you were not home so something could have happened without you being aware of it?

Has anyone else had a similar reaction? And if so, how did you overcome the problem?

My first suggestion is to get the yard fenced. As lovely as it would be to have three fenced acres for your dog to roam, I realize this is not cost effective. What about building him a kennel or run area? Or fence a half acre of the three so that he has a real backyard to roam where you know he is safe?

In my opinion, tie outs should only ever be used as a temporary answer until a better, more permanent solution can be found. Too many problems can happen on a tie out and yes, I have seen them all. Dogs attacked by other dogs while on a tie out, dogs getting themselves so tied up they give themselves nerve damage in a limb from restricting blood supply, and even the dog who cut himself when the tie out breaking the glass in a green house. I loved helping the owners of a young Boxer cope with his death after he hung himself on the fence and yes, the tie out was supposed to be temporary until they had the money to build a higher fence. The common sense lesson learned for that couple? Tie outs should not be long enough to allow the dog access to the fence when you already know he can jump over it.

A well-fenced yard is the only way to keep a dog safe and happy. Work on a chain link dog run for him – say 10’ x 12’ and build onto it until he has a safe, good size yard all his own.

Ann