Dog Community

tie-outs and aggression?

Posted : 2/13/2011 10:35:54 AM

Hello,

We adopted what we're thinking might be a cattle dog/collie mix from a rescue 6 months ago. She is very sweet, but also VERY active. The problem we're having is that with the snow in our yard, she has discovered she can very easily jump over our fence. The only way I can now let her out to either go to the bathroom or to run in the yard is to either take her out on a leash, which is what I do 90% of the time, or put her on a tie out. It can be extremely cold here, so there are times when the tie out is easiest, especially if she wants to play for an extended period. She loves being outside, and would probably sit there all day if she could. We are going to put up a 6 foot fence in the spring, once the ground thaws. However, my concern for right now is putting her on a tie out. I have heard that it can cause aggression in dogs, and am not sure how true this is. Does anyone have any experience with the subject?

Thanks,

Kelly

glenmar

Posted : 2/13/2011 11:36:03 AM

If your yard is private, the tie out shouldn't be a problem. It's when dogs are tied in an area that is busy, frequented by other dogs, etc, that there can be a problem.

Do understand tho, that when she goes out on the tie out she won't be getting any exercise to run off the energy so you'll see less than polite behavior inside, or could.

reneegavin

Posted : 2/13/2011 12:00:16 PM

I do try to get her for a walk, when possible. In the summer, she usually get 2-30 minute walks a day. I also run her up and down the stairs and do training, which exhausts her temporarily. We are getting another dog soon, and she LOVES playing with other dogs, so that should keep her occupied. This is strictly for going to the bathroom, and occasionally hanging out in the yard.

spiritdogs

Posted : 2/13/2011 12:54:10 PM

Barrier aggression can result from dogs being tied, or even just being behind a fence: http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-prevent-fence-aggression-in-dogs. The most important thing is to recognize the early signs and take preventive measures. Herding and guardian breeds are particularly prone to this, but any dog can develop it. Also, you may want to be sure that you have trained the first dog to come when called every time, and to "leave it" when asked, before you get a second dog. Many people acquire the second dog only to find they have double trouble because the dogs bond to one another, and don't pay any attention to them, so it's always best to solidify your first dog's training before introducing the second one. JMHO

reneegavin

Posted : 2/13/2011 3:22:26 PM

I have heard about the 2 dogs bonding to each other and not the owners. We plan on doing many things with them separately. Separate walks, training sessions, playing outside, etc.... as well as together. I'm trying to find an agility class to take my current dog to. I think she would be fantastic at it. She is a pretty well behaved dog, she's just got a few quirks we're working on!