I cover a few topics in my vlog, and although all of them are important, tethering a dog to a post while running inside a store is something that really bothers me.

I suppose if it’s a coffee shop with large windows where you can keep an eye on your dog and your dog can see you it’s not the end of the world, but you could also go to a coffee shop that allows dogs.

But if you’re going into a store for any considerable amount of time and you’re unable to watch your pet, then I suggest not leaving them outside.

Tethering a Dog Puts Them at Risk in Several Ways

With the current somewhat nice weather in Chicago, I’ve seen this happen a few times in the past couple of weeks. I’ve seen dogs tied up outside of Jewel-Osco, clothing stores and more.

Granted, the dogs I’ve seen were not stressed about it, but I’ve seen a few instances of dogs throwing a barking fit at being tied to a pole while their owner leaves to run an errand. Now we have a dog barking his or her head off for who knows how long, not to mention the fact that no matter how well you tie your dog to a post, they can always chew through it in a matter of seconds.

Not only that, but without water and shade, your dog runs the risk of overheating, which can lead to several major problems, some of which are life-threatening.

But what bugs me the most about this is that your pooch could be stolen. Your neighborhood does not matter; ill-willed people are everywhere and all they need is an easy opportunity.

Stolen Dogs Are Often Used as Dog Fight Bait

I’ve seen this first hand, and I’ve had colleagues who have seen it as well.

When I worked at a pet store years ago, a man came in distraught with his boxer. The boxer was emaciated, covered in scars and new wounds. It turned out, someone had jumped into the man’s yard while his dog was tied up during the day and stole him months before that for use in his fighting ring. The day the man came into the store, the thief had just returned the dog.

This is why I never leave my dogs tethered outside unattended, even in my own yard. I don’t care if it’s for a few minutes because that’s all a person needs. Leaving your dog tied up at the wrong time puts them at an immediate risk.

If you can’t bring your dog inside the place you’re going, don’t bring them at all or leave that errand for a later time because at the end of the day, your dog is going to be the one that pays the ultimate price.

Jesse
Owner-Operator
Canine Perspective, Inc.