What happens to a dog that is caged all day long?

Answer 1

There are several aspects to consider. Physical A chained dog could get caught or twisted in the chain, or it could wrap the chain around something and thereby limit the dog's mobility. You should also consider that a chained dog may not be able to defend itself adequately or escape should another dog wander into its area. Is the area suitable for a dog? Make sure there is grass or dirt - don't chain a dog on a hard surface like a driveway or a concrete patio. The dog must have adequate shelter from environmental conditions - heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, etc. - the exact nature of the shelter depends largely on the dog breed and local climate. If you are chaining more than one dog, then this becomes complicated, because unless you use some kind of overhead cable, pulley, swiveler, and dual chains (which I have use successfully), the dogs' chains will tangle hopelessly if they are allowed to come close enough to each other. Dogs kept apart by chain will often bark more, possibly creating problems for your neighbors, and they will not be able to interact with each other in their natural modality. Hydration Hydration is an essential and too often overlooked aspect of keeping a dog outdoors. It is mandatory that a dog have ready access to fresh water at all times. Lack of fresh water can lead to life threatening conditions such as dehydration and hypothermia, and to diseases and infection if the dog must resort to drinking unsanitary ground water. Dogs tend to knock over and spill bowls of water, especially with their chains. The best and easiest way to assure fresh water access is to attach an animal drinking nozzle to the end of a hose or to an outdoor faucet. These nozzles are available at most pet stores - they prevent the water from running except when the dog drinks from it, and then it only lets out a trickle the dog can handle. Dogs learn very quickly how to drink from such a nozzle after you show them how to retrieve the water from the nozzle. In winter climates, when water freezes, hydration is more complicated, but just as critical. Outdoor dogs will develop hypothermia if they do not have enough fresh water, because they hydrate themselves by eating snow, and their bodies lose too much thermal energy melting the snow into water. Every morning, prepare a large bucket of soup made of fresh water and small amount of canned dog food. There should be enough water in the bucket for a full day's water ration. The dog will smell the meat, but will quickly understand it must drink all the water in order to reach the dog food, which has sunk to the bottom. If dogs are also left out overnight in the winter months (common for Huskies), they should have an evening soup too. Generally, you should not leave food outdoors for dogs, because the scent of the food can attract undesirable animals into the dog's habitat. Emotional In terms of being alone, chaining a dog is not much different than leaving it alone at home. However there could be other factors - neighborhood children could tease a chained dog. Or the dog might fret at seeing other animals out of reach. Neighbors A chained dog might bark while you are away. Often dog owners are not aware of just how often and loud their dogs bark when left alone outdoors. Neighbors might not always inform you about a noisy dog, even when they become annoyed. You should therefore ask your neighbors if they have noticed any problems with your dog within a week of first setting it out on a chain, and periodically thereafter. Trial Setting Consider chaining the dog outdoors on a weekend, or when you will be at home. Close the curtains and blinds to prevent the dog from seeing you inside the house, because the dog will behave differently if it thinks you are nearby. Periodically check up on the dog without letting it see you, and leave a window open so you will hear it barking. Observe what problems the dog encounters, and assess how you can adjust the dog's environment to mitigate those problems. Alternatives Instead of chaining the dog, you can try other solutions, such as Fencing, invisible fencing (electronic collar on the dog), or leaving it inside. Alternatives don't always work, and can be expensive. Some dogs are diggers, and will eventually escape from a fenced area. While invisible fencing works on almost all dogs, I have seen a few dogs impervious to invisible fencing. Some breeds do not do well indoors. Other Factors I once chained my dogs in a very large back yard near a river, but discovered they were chained along the path painted turtles took between the river and their nesting grounds. The dogs "played" with the turtles, which sadly proved fatal for the turtles. I therefore had to relocate the dogs' chained area to ensure safe passage for the turtles. ---- In my way of thinking, they do suffer in some ways if chained and isolated. Dogs are naturally pack animals and very social creatures and enjoy the interaction with their owners(or "alpha leaders")

Answer 2

I keep mine in a cage while at work. 8 to 10 hours a day. He loves it. Nicest dog in the world. Hes never been aggressive. When I am home, he goes everywhere though. That might help.