Humane Society of Broward County - The Dangers for Outdoor Dogs

Isn’t my dog happier living outside?
Only if you live outside with him! Dogs are pack animals they are used to living in groups, not by themselves. More than ten thousand years ago dogs were domesticated to live with humans, they long for our companionship and need it. Dogs that do not have constant human contact have more behavior problems.

The reason I put my dog outside is because he was destroying the house. I had no choice, what else could I do?
By putting your dog outside you will only increase his behavior problems.
Dogs that live outdoors are more likely to bark, dig, chew, jump the fence and bite. The reason for this is because they become lonely, bored and anxious. Dogs need constant human contact and interaction. You can have a well-behaved dog that lives indoors. The Humane Society is here to help! Please call our Behavior Helpline at (954) 266-6851 so we can help you and your furry friend.

The Dangers for Outdoor Dogs

My dog started to jump the fence, so I had no choice but to chain him to a tree.
Do you have any other suggestions?
One of the cruelest things you could do to a dog is to chain them for a prolonged period of time.

It is cruel and inhumane! Dogs kept on chains, watch as the world goes by, imagine what life would be like.
Chained dogs suffer from psychological deprivation which results in listlessness, depression, frenzied barking and aggression. There is nothing positive about keeping any dog on a chain. If your dog is jumping the fence, he’s probably bored. Take him for lots of walks to alleviate his boredom and bring him inside with the family. Call the Behavior Helpline so we can help you with this transition. BREAK THE CHAIN!

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