Dogs Deserve Better receives many heartbreaking e-mails about chained dogs, and a neighbor/or concerned citizen would like to know what can be done. How can you rescue this dog?

Each situation is different, and at Dogs Deserve Better we've found that what works in one situation doesn't necessarily work in the next one. To date, we've succeeded in getting over 3000 dogs off chains nationwide since Dogs Deserve Better started in August 2002 through rescue alone; tens of thousands due to laws our volunteers have worked tirelessly to pass. We are always seeking those willing to foster and train a rescued chained dog, so that they may indeed go to a better life. If you're willing to foster, please visit the volunteer page for a foster form.

Our first step is to send the handout letter along with a brochure, which you can get inexpensively from our store or download from our volunteer page. We recommend you wait a couple weeks to see if the letter has worked on it's own. We estimate a success rate with the letter of 5-10%. We also can send the letter from the home office, if you'd prefer, just e-mail the address.

If nothing changes, it's time for further action. This takes a lot of courage! Gather up a folder with any information you can find—the flyer, the handout letter, articles printed from the internet and any brochures you have. Be sure to take a copy of this .pdf action form, which allows them to check off what service you will provide and will protect you and the organization legally. Take someone with you or tell someone where you are going. Tell the caretaker that you'd like to find out how you can help them with their chained dog or penned dog.

Be open and friendly. Asking them how you can HELP them is important, because it allows them to see you as an ally as opposed to the enemy. This question is also an open-ended one, meaning it doesn't allow for a simple 'no' answer. This then gives you the opportunity to give them the options available to them. These may include: help with housetraining, donating a crate for housetraining, fostering and finding the dog a new home, help with fencing, walking the dog daily, or fostering and housetraining the dog and returning him/her. We also can sometimes work out a deal where we pay to vet and spay/neuter the dog in exchange for them bringing him/her into the house and chaining or penning NO other dogs outside.

We offer funding help for most of these activities, and do so on a case by case basis as funds permit, so don't let a lack of funds stop you from trying to help the dog.

Try to remain as calm as possible, and gently speak from your heart about what you feel a dog needs, and why living chained or penned does not meet these needs. If you are met with aggression or defensiveness, leave the information, and most importantly a contact phone number, and leave the property.

One caretaker was belligerent, but called later when he'd had time to think. We had a good conversation and worked out an agreement. That was a big success! So please leave a number where they can reach you in case they rethink their position.

If you're determined to get the dog off chains or out of the pen no matter what, offering to buy the dog may work in some instances. It's worth a try, although I've heard of a caretaker who turned down an offer of $500. Be patient and "politely persistent" and don't give up. That was how we rescued Bo, the inspiration for Dogs Deserve Better, because Tammy wouldn't give up!

If you're successful, you may need to foster the dog. Fostering is very hard work. Chained dogs in most cases have not been housetrained, so a crate is almost a necessity in order to work with them. They may also have behavioural problems that need to be addressed. See Debby Dobson's article, Rehabilitating Chained or Confined Dogs for some insight into problem areas and how these areas can be worked with.

Being part of Dogs Deserve Better as opposed to 'just' a concerned citizen seems to lend some authority or clout. That's why we'd like to see area reps in all locations! If you need help with a dog, these area reps could go with you to speak to the caretakers. If there are none in your area, become a rep yourself and take a friend with you for safety. Best of luck! You can do it.

Contact Info: Dogs Deserve Better, Inc. • P.O. Box 23 • Tipton, PA 16684 • Toll Free 1.877.636.1408 • 814.941.7447
email: info@dogsdeservebetter.org • Website designed and maintained by Crescent Communications