Tethering Your Dog Outside of a Store: Do or Don’t?

“I was just inside for a minute, and when I came out he was gone.”

“I didn’t know that she could get out of her collar.”

“I’m heartbroken. How could someone steal my Bosco?”

It can seem like a great idea to include your dog in your daily errands—running to the bank, the pharmacy, or the post office. Fido gets a brisk walk, and you get to spend time with him. But there’s real danger in tethering your dog while you pop inside the grocery store. Of all the ways to lose a dog, this one is the most preventable. Here are seven potential risks to tying your dog outside of a store.

1. It’s an open invitation to thieves. Kat Albrecht, Pet Detective, calls it the “Gee-I’ve-always wanted-a-Pug Syndrome.” Albrecht says a dog that’s tied up in public might look abandoned to someone who has always wanted a cute pup like yours. They may rationalize that the owner must be abusive or bad because the dog is tethered up, all alone. This is just one of the dozens of reasons why it’s important to have a dog microchipped and get the chip’s number registered.
2. In some places, it’s illegal. Many cities have ordinances against tying dogs up in public places. If a police officer sees your dog tied up, he may wait around to give you a ticket, or he may call local animal control to confiscate your dog.
3. Fido may feel defensive. According to the American Humane Society, dogs tethered for long periods can become highly aggressive. At the very least, being tied up can make Fido feel vulnerable. A defensive dog is more likely to bite someone that comes within reach, even a child. If your dog bites anyone, not only will you be liable for damages, you can be sued in civil court.
4. It’s a great opportunity for the Great Escape. It’s not uncommon for pets to slip out of their collars or harnesses while tied up. The post to which you tie Fido could come loose, allowing him to get away. Or he may chew through his leather or nylon leash. Now that he’s free to roam—does he know to look both ways before crossing the street?
5. Other dogs may not be so friendly. When your dog is left alone on a leash, he is defenseless. If a stray dog or a dog that's off-leash gets aggressive, there’s little Fido can do. If he is attacked while tethered, he can’t get away, and he could be injured.
6. What you don’t see could hurt Fido. Anyone who walks past your dog can interact with him while he’s tied up and alone. Children might think that it’s funny to feed your dog bubble gum or something else he shouldn’t have. Someone may even let him off of his leash just for fun. Whether the interaction is friendly or not, you need to be present when strangers engage with your pet.
7. Extreme temperature can be dangerous. Extreme heat or cold—neither is good for a tethered dog. Heat stroke or hyperthermia is a serious health issue that can cause permanent damage leading to death. Get our tips on summer pet care. [link to: Summer Pet Care]

When you can’t take your pet inside the store with you, it’s a better idea for them to stay at home. Even leaving your pet in your car while you do some quick shopping can be risky. Instead, give Fido or Fluffy their favorite toy to play with while you’re out and bring them a treat home as a reward. You’ll get your errands done and they’ll be safer in the long run. Mission accomplished!

Nikki Moustaki, MA, MFA, is a dog trainer, bird care and behavior consultant, and a freelance writer in New York City. She is the author of more than 26 books on pet care and training and is the host of www.dogfessions.com.