Talking to Owners Are you concerned about a chained dog in someone else’s yard? There are many things you can do to improve that dog’s life! Say something like: I saw your dog in the backyard. I have a big bag of dog food I dont need any more. Could you use it? Id hate for it to go to waste. I am a volunteer with Unchain OK and I came by to offer you some free resources for your dog I have an extra doghouse Id be happy to bring over. Is that OK? I noticed your dog lives on a chain. Im sure he would love the chance to exercise. Could I come by a few times a week to walk your dog? I love shepherds. My shepherd died and I really miss him. Can I go back and meet your dog? Whats his name? I have a friend who owns a fencing company, and I can probably get some fencing materials donated if you would like a fence for your dog. Since winter is coming, Im giving hay to people with outside dogs. Could you use some hay for your dogs house? If the owner seems receptive, ask if you can go with the owner to meet the dog. Ask the dog’s name. This will give you an opportunity to get to know the dog and the owner, and to learn why the dog is on a chain. Sometimes you can help solve the problem. For instance, if the dog is chained so it won’t breed with another dog, investigate low-cost sterilization for the dog. If the dog is chained because he is a fence-jumper, offer to put up fence extensions, put the dog on a trolley or tie-out, or to put up an electric fence or hotwire. If the dog is chained because the owners never really wanted the animal in the first place, offer to find the dog another home. Bring along materials for the owners to read, too. If you dont feel comfortable approaching the owners, you can always ask UNCHAINOK to send them a letter. Just provide the address. They will not use your name. Be Constructive - Not Critical If the dog is too thin, infested with parasites, matted, etc--DON’T be critical of the dog’s owner. You don’t want to make him mad or ashamed! Just say, “I’ve got some extra flea treatment at home I can bring over to put on Boss” or “I think Boss would look better with a few more pounds on him. How about if I bring over a free case of dog food for you?” or “I like grooming dogs. Could I come over sometime and get these mats out of Boss’s hair?” Once you have met the owner, try to keep up a good relationship. Leave dog treats and toys on their porch. Stop by to check on the dog. Offer to take the dog on walks and to the vet. Eventually, the owner may let you have the dog. Although some chained dogs are aggressive, others make perfectly good pets with some love and training. If the dog is relinquished to you, you can now place the dog into a good home. Sometimes a dog owner will sell the chained dog to you. Offer to buy the dog only if you think the owner won’t go right out and get another one. Some people steal chained dogs to provide a better life for them. The problem with that is that the owners might put a new puppy right back on the chain. And, since dogs are legally considered property, stealing a dog is a felony. Be careful!! Guard-Dog Issue Some people chain their dogs as guard dogs. Explain that chained dogs do not make the best guard dogs. Chained dogs become aggressive, not protective. An aggressive dog will attack anyone: the child next door, the meter reader, the mailman. The way to raise a protective dog, who knows how to distinguish friend from foe, is to socialize the dog and bring him inside with the family. Besides, what can a chained dog do to stop an intruder except bark? Two Main Goals Keep two goals in mind when talking to the owner of a chained dog: 1. Educate the owner so that he will think of the dog in a new light; as a living creature who needs love and attention and care. Hopefully, he will learn how to treat dogs better in the future. 2. Helping the dog a little is better than doing nothing at all. You may not be able to convince the owner to relinquish the dog or put up a fence. If all you can do is get a decent doghouse, a well-fitting collar, and some treats, that is a success and the dog’s life has been improved. We cannot battle all unconsciousness and cruelty in the world. To keep yourself from getting too depressed about all the animal cruelty and neglect, remind yourself that its ultimately the owners choice to neglect his dog and responsibility to care for his dog. Rather than thinking, I have to help this poor dog!,” think I will try to help this dog and educate the owner, but it makes me sad and mad that the owner chooses to treat his dog this way. This will help you keep the guilt where it belongs - on the owner, not on you! Every dog in the world isnt your responsibility, but you can feel good about helping where you can.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 00:19:09 +0000
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