Hello, everyone! January is recognized by many as Unchain a Dog Month. 🐕 This offers an opportunity to reflect on how dogs, who are an integral part of many of our communities and families, experience the daily environments that shape their long-term health and well-being.
Research suggests that prolonged or unattended tethering may be associated with increased stress and behavioral challenges in some dogs, particularly when it limits movement or opportunities for social interaction (Takáčová et al., 2021). Over time, these stressors may not only affect a dog's health and behavior, but also human-animal interactions and the shared spaces where we live and work together. Approaches that support dogs' physical and behavioral needs could also contribute to healthier, safer communities. In many settings, alternatives to long-term tethering, when feasible, such as secure fencing, supervised outdoor time, or connections to local support resources, help promote more positive outcomes for both pets and people.
This time also creates space for education, outreach, and dialogue that recognize the diverse circumstances in which people and dogs live together. Thoughtful, community-informed conversations can help surface practical alternatives and supportive resources that align with local contexts, while keeping both pet well-being and human realities in view. Hearing what's worked in different settings can be really helpful, and I hope others will add their perspectives. 🐾
Reference
Takáčová, D., Skurková, L., Mesarčová, L., Lešková, L., Kottferová, L., Packová, A., Vajányi, D., & Kottferová, J. (2021). Dog Tethering in Slovakia: Legal, Ethical and Behavioral Aspects and Dog Welfare Implications. Animals (Basel), 11(3), 594. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030594
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Katy Carpenter
Editorial Operations Manager
Program for Pet Health Equity
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