Break the Unsupervised Chained Dog Tripawd Syndrome

When you see an unsupervised chained dog, do you feel helpless? Do you know someone who keeps their dog tethered outside without supervision, but you’re not sure what to do? If so, here are some ways you can help, and end what we call the “Chained Dog Tripawd Syndrome.” 

Please understand that we are not discussing the responsible use of a tether to keep a supervised dog safe from harm. This article addresses the irresponsible ways in which some pet parents use a tether or chain on an unsupervised, neglected pup.

What You Can Do to End the Chained Dog Tripawd Syndrome

Our Tripawds Spokesdog Wyatt Ray did not lose his leg to cancer. And he doesn’t even hate his previous humans for their bad decision that altered his life forever. 

As a seven-month old puppy, Wyatt was chained up and left alone in an Oakland, California back yard. We don’t know if he was purchased from a breeder to be someone’s “Guard Dog” or if his former humans just didn’t understand the commitment required to train a hard-working German Shepherd. What we do know is that he was left outside on a chain and ignored.

The chain cut off circulation to Wyatt’s right rear leg. When his humans saw the damage, they quickly abandoned him at a veterinary clinic. Thankfully the compassionate vet and a kind-hearted nurse intervened, and after amputation surgery turned him over to German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California. With one less leg but more spirit than ever, Wyatt was finally free.

We call it the Chained Dog Tripawd Syndrome

WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGE

Sadly, many unsupervised tethered dogs lose a leg the same way Wyatt did. These dogs have been denied their 10 Freedoms of Dogs, which Dr. Marc Beckoff explains in his new book, “Unleashing  Your Dog: A Field Guide to Giving Your Canine Companion the Best Life Possible.” (stay tuned for a review).

Wyatt’s nurse recently sent us some never-before seen photos taken when she was caring for him. The mangled leg picture brought us to tears. It explains so much about the damage done to Wyatt’s psyche, and the great price he has paid to live as a Tripawd. This never should have happened to him, or any dog.

If you know of someone who has an unsupervised tethered backyard dog, please show them Wyatt’s leg photo. Let them know this is what can happen to a dog left unsupervised on a chain. 

You Can Help! Know the 18 Ways to Help an Unsupervised Chained Dog, such as:

• How to talk to a chained dog’s human
• And this is how to fight for chained dog bans in your community

And as much as we all want to set unsupervised chained dogs free, it’s important to remember that most people who resort to leaving their dog alone on a tether all day really do care for their animal. They just don’t know what responsible dog parenting looks like. But you do, and you can help them become better pet parents!

Let’s all work to help unsupervised tethered dogs and end the chained dog Tripawd syndrome at Unchain Your Dog and Dogs Deserve Better.

Too many backyard dogs all over the world suffer at the end of a chain. In fact, last week we received a call on the Tripawds Helpline from someone seeking a Tripawds ASAP Grant, because they allowed the same thing to happen to their dog. In that dog’s honor, and Wyatt Ray’s we hope you’ll take action the next time you encounter a chained dog with nobody looking out for them. Thank you.