• Research from the Center for Disease Control shows that chained dogs are 2.8 times more likely to bite and there is an eight out of 10 chance that a biting dog is male, unneutered and chained.
• A normally happy and friendly dog that is continually chained and secluded outside can become neurotic, anxious, territorial and aggressive.
• In many cases, the necks of chained dogs become raw and covered with sores, the result of improperly fitted collars and the dogs' constant yanking and straining to escape confinement. In addition, there have been multiple cases in Orange County in which a chained dog has hung itself on a fence.
• In a large majority of incidents in which a chained animal has attacked, the victim was a small child unaware of the dangers associated with a chained dog.
• Chained dogs are easy targets for attack by cruel humans, other dogs or wild animals, and insects.

• Any restraining device (chain, cord, or cable) must be a minimum of 10 ft to confine an animal on owner's property.
• The device must be humane and provide unrestrained range of movement for the animal.
• The device must not keep the animal from general necessities of life such as food, water, or shelter.
• The device must be proportional in size, weigh no more than 1/8 of the dogs or puppy's body weight, and designed for use with specific breed of animal with an appropriate collar.
• No device may be used during the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or during extreme weather.

• Inhumane or otherwise restrictive chaining is a Category 1 violation of Orange County Code chapter 5-50.
• The first chaining offense will result in a $265.00 citation while the second offence requires a mandatory court appearance.

• Chaining devices cannot be used to confine an animal on an owner's property between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. year-round and during times of extreme weather, i.e. tropical storms,  below freezing conditions, etc. 
• Animals must be given proper shelter with ventilation (a non-ventilated garage does not qualify), food and water.

• Install a fence if your property does not already have one. Consider installing a large chain-link dog run with proper space requirements and space for a dog house.
• If you have a fence and your dog can jump over it, install an inward extension of 45-degress to the top of your fence.
• If digging is an issue, purchase chicken wire and bury it, with sharp ends bent, at a depth of one foot below where the fence meets the ground. Or place large, heavy rocks/cement blocks at the base of the fence.
• If your dog tends to dig in places you do not want him to (in your garden) consider making the dog his own sandbox. Bury his favorite toys and treats for him to find and teach him that it is okay for him to dig in his box.
• If you are considering keeping your dog outside due to behavioral reasons, enroll him in an obedience class instead. Remember barking, chewing, and digging are often caused from a lack of stimulation or exercise. Provide your dog with positive outlets such as proper toys, games of fetch, and daily walks. Be sure to use positive reinforcement with treats and bones when the your dog displays desirable behaviors.
• Spay or neuter your dog if you have not done so already. A spayed or neutered dog is less likely to dig or roam in search of a mate.

If you are still set on keeping your dog outside between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., consider making a safe confinement shelter for your dog. If you have more than one dog, you should have a dog house for each. The weather in Florida is unpredictable, and with sudden storms and extreme heat, a dog needs a place of refuge.

Dog house:

• The house should be large enough to allow the dog to stand up in and turn around comfortably but small enough to enable the dog to retain body heat. The roof of the house should be slanted to allow rainwater to run off.
• Clean, dry bedding such as hay, straw, towels or blankets should be provided and changed weekly to keep the house sanitary.
• Always ensure the dog has plenty of food and fresh water in a tip-proof bowl or large, clean bucket.

Crate training:

• If destructive behaviors have caused you to keep your dog outside, consider crate training your dog. Crate training is an effective way to keep a dog from chewing up the house while you are away or going to the bathroom in the house.
• Be sure if your dog is crated for several hours that you take him outside to go to the bathroom immediately after releasing him. Plan to exercise or play with the pup afterwards to help it release its energy in a positive way.
• A dog's crate should be large enough for the dog to stand up in and turn around comfortably.
• Crates should not be used for punishment, rather as a safe place of the dog's own. The dog should have a blanket to lay on and a large toy or bone (nothing too small, as it may be a choking hazard) to relieve boredom while confined.

To learn more about the process of crate training and its benefits, visit the web pages of the HSUS or ASPCA.

Some of the information on this page has been provided by or adapted from the Humane Society of the United States.