Tethering creates aggression
As a dog trainer, I get frequent calls from current and former clients about dogs that are being tethered in the owner’s yard for extended periods of time.
I've seen a lot of these pitiful situations firsthand. Many times, a dog spends his life tethered to a short chain, which limits his ability to move around, in a yard without adequate shelter, food or water.
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And tethering creates aggression. A study by the CDC, "Which Dogs Bite?" documented that chained dogs are 2.8 times more likely to bite. This can be attributed to their lack of socialization as well as their inability to move freely or escape from perceived threats.
Now we have a chance to get it right. The Pennsylvania legislature is considering a bill, H.B. 1065, which will ensure that dogs are tethered more humanely. The bill requires that the dog be provided with food, water, and shelter, as well as sufficient room to move around on the tether. Also, the tethering of dogs between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. will be prohibited by H.B. 1065
As a concerned dog lover and trainer, I’m asking others to contact their state representatives and urge them to vote “Yes” on H.B. 1065.
Doug Parson
Owner, Gut Hunds Dog Training
Harrisburg
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