A Comparison of Tethering and Pen Confinement of Dogs

This study compared general activity and specific behaviors of 30 adult Alaskan sled dogs, 19 male and 11 female dogs, on 3.5 m tethers and in 5.9 m2 pens. The investigators used activity level and steriotypies as indicators of welfare. The dogs spent most of their time inactive, either lying or sitting both on the tether and in the pen. They had more opportunity for interaction with one another but less space in the pen (5.9 m2 in the pen vs. 38.5 m2 on the tether). Standing on the hind legs (p < .05) occurred more frequently in the pens; circling was more frequent on the tethers (p < .05). The U.S. Department of Agriculture approves penning but not tethering of dogs; however, the behavior of the dogs in this study did not indicate an improvement in welfare in pens.