Dogs banished to the backyard?

Question

How can we stop people from confining their dogs to the backyard to be ignored. If there is shelter and food, there is no law being broken, therefore not much we can do!!

I just adopted a 4 year old male Doberman and he might just be the sweetest dog I have ever had. When we got him he was 25 pounds underweight, his nails were very overgrown and he had difficulty walking, he had zero training and had no idea what affection was. We'd go to pet him and he had no idea what it was all about. Now that he is used to it he is very affectionate, and even with little or no socialization he loves every dog, person, child and cat he has met! In two weeks he has learned all his basic obedience commands and is nearly 100% housetrained!
It sickens me that a dog this wonderful spent 4 whole years neglected in someone's backyard and could have spent his whole life there. I am glad they got sick of him and sent him to rescue.
How can we stop this from happening to other dogs?

Answer 1

I know you didn't mean to insinuate that all outside dogs are being ignored ... but, for the ones that are, it's a sad situation. :(

I adopted an American Pit Bull Terrier a little over a year ago, and I look at it this way ... it's their loss and my gain. It's sad though, that such loving, beautiful dogs are the ones that have to suffer for someones spur of the moment decision.

I also find it sad that the law works the way it does for ignored/abused animals. Dogs that are tied up in the back-yard for months ... sometimes years, are considered fine because they are fed and watered. If any human being were treated the same way, they'd more than likely end up with some serious emotional issues. Because they're animals, they are expected to be able to tolerate such treatment. I'm with you Shanna, I wish we could do more ..... :(

Answer 2

Well if the dogs being confined are in poor health, then there are laws being broken. The most we can do as pet lovers is try to educate people, and make a difference in the lives of dogs we come across that have had lives like that. You're Doberman was a good case. Some dogs that haven't been socialized end up agressive. We fostered a puppy mill rescue, and she had no socialization, and she ended up being the happiest and most loving dog after we rehabilitated her. Rescue's are wonderful organizations. But all we can do is educate people, and try to fight for stricter laws on animal neglect as well as abuse. The dogs deserve better!

Answer 3

there is no way to stop it. But look on the bright side, not all dogs who live outside are neglected and ignored!

When most people think of an outside dog, they are thinking about what they see on TV of dogs starving in the back yards or tied up 24/7. But not all dogs living outside are abused. And just because a dog lives in a house does not mean it is being treated well.

A lot of outside dogs have a great life. They can run around in the yard all day while their owners are at work. When the owner comes home he plays with the dog, feeds it and takes it for a walk. Not all owners of outside dogs are cruel. The outside dog never has to "hold it in" and spend 6-10 hours confined in a small crate with no food or water like many house dogs do.

A lot of inside dogs are yelled at, spanked, kicked, shocked and have their nose rubbed in their own pee because the owner is frustrated with their behavior. You will never see an outside dog being spanked for going outside!

So while I agree that it is bad to get a dog and turn it into a lawn ornament there is no reason that dogs can't live outside and be happy.

Answer 4

Most people adopt a puppy (adorable, cute, bundle of fluff) with no idea of the kind of dog he's going to grow into. Sooner or later, that puppy grows into a 65 lb Lab with all the requisite chewing, barking, pooping, digging, jumping on people, etc (all the things untrained dogs do). Instead of appropriately exercising and training the dog, they wind up shutting the dog in the backyard. As long as they take care of it (food, water, shelter) there's not much you can do. The best thing to do is try to educate the public about what it takes to own a dog. Maybe then, people will put a little thought into their spontaneous pupppy purchase.

Answer 5

I am glad that the other owner got sick of them and if you see a dog being mistreated just call the police and fake cry and make your conversation with the police dramatic..... The owner that is abusing the dog cant do anything to you....

Answer 6

I'm glad he got away from them,but it's true,not all outside dogs are neglected.I've had outside dogs all my life,because I have rescued them from bad situations,and I have had as many as 12 large dogs at one time,so they could not all stay in the house.My dogs have a 40 by 75 foot long pen,with plenty of trees,warm doghouses and toys,fresh water and food,and they get regular cuddling and walks,and of course vet care.All of my outside dogs have passed from old age,except for one,and she comes in nearly everyday to visit the indoor dogs,and they go out to see her.She is left out of the pen to play in the yard and goes for walks. I would let her live in the house,but she does not want to.When she wants out,she goes directly to the gate of the pen and sits there,waiting to be let in.I think she likes the solitude ,because two of my inside dogs are younger and more rambunctious,and she likes to get away from them.She has a very comfy bed in her dog house (well,she has four doghouses to choose from),bones to chew,dry food all day,and canned in the evening.She is 14 years old,and all of my outside dogs have been very healthy and lived long lives,and they had plenty of companionship from the other dogs.I think it is wrong to keep a dog on a chain,and to never give it attention or even simple grooming or socialization.Some people shouldn't have dogs no matter where they are kept.I've know of many indoor dogs who spend most of their lives in a crate or in a basement.I'm sure they would rather be outside,running around, than in solitary confinement.So,many outside dogs are treated very well,and many inside dogs are treated badly and visa versa,That being said,I would never have another outside dog,because the truth is, most indoor dogs get more attention,but if an emergency arose and I had to keep one outside rather than have it be killed or die from neglect,I would.

Answer 7

You really can't stop it, but just be happy that you rescued one of them dogs that had to suffer like that & you got to open him up to a brand new world of love and affection.

Answer 8

You can't. You only can tell people about your experience and hope it clicks a light on in their head about how to "not" treat a dog vs. how to do it right.

Answer 9

We can't, but congratulations on your new dog!

He is lucky he got you for an owner. You probably saved his life.