Hi! I was curious about something. Often times in photos and videos sled dogs and other working dogs are tied up with their dog houses. I was wondering why people choose this over large fenced enclosures? Or do more owners do this then the media portrays? Does it come down to the cost of it or is there a purpose? Or do you think it would benefit dogs to switch over to enclosures? Sorry, I don't have any experience with this stuff so I'm very curious!
Random, but I follow this project on TikTok called chain free Knoxville which builds enclosures with high chain link fence and better shelters for free so dogs don't have to be tied up on a leash 24/7 with minimal protection. Obviously this is a different situation from working dogs but I think it's really neat that it helps people without judgement while still making the dogs life better.
Anyways, I loved to hear your answers! Thank you!
The main reason chains are used often for sled dogs is that it keeps them contained no matter how much snow falls and builds up, which can be a very big issues with dogs kept in pens in snowy environments. Of course many mushers also keep dogs in pens, but it requires a lot more work keeping snow away from the barrier than chain containment. Considering that huskies and sled dog types tend to be excellent escape artists regardless of containment, chaining also tends to be first choice containment as it is often the most fool proof way to keep your dogs where they need to be.
I want to impress that nothing about keeping dogs on chains is inherently cruel. If dogs are provided food, water, shelter, vet care, an environment free of feces, and enrichment such as work, play, free running etc. than it is not cruel and this includes non-sled dogs.
It is often the most affordable way that people can keep their dogs properly contained and properly contained is better than a dog that can jump fences and climb fenced constantly getting loose. I personally see no difference when a dog is kept on a chain properly then other types of non-fence containments like cable runs (considering most people don't have enough space for a large cable run, it really just is a longer chain...). I also don't think that chaining is any more or less "cruel" than keeping a dog crated all day (both restrict a dogs ability to move around during the day, but a crate much more so imo, at least a dog on a chain can go to the bathroom as needed...).
That being said, looking at Chain Free Knoxville's approach, I really like what they're doing and their mission statement. The type of the work they are doing, providing those in their community with resources to better care for their dogs, is greatly needed instead of judgement and harmful (often and historically anti-black, anti-poverty) legislation. Many people are extremely limited in what they can afford and good fencing is VERY expensive. I do wish that organizations like this would also educate about the correct way to chain (providing off chain time, exercise etc.), but I don't think anybody at such organizations sees any chained dog as a positive, so that nuance is probably out of the question from non-working dog folk.
Unlike many dogs deemed as "chained dogs" though, sled dogs do not spend a majority of their time on a chain because they need to build muscle and keep fit. A musher will be allowing their dogs to free run and play, the dogs will be taken out to work, many even spend rotating time inside their musher’s houses for individual and team bonding (I cannot even begin to list the number of Iditarod mushers I follow that posts pictures of like 16 dogs piled on their couch at once). Sled dogs that are going to be worked in extreme environments need to be kept outside often. 1.) they are bred for it and prefer it because of their insulating double coats which often cause them to be uncomfortable (sometimes to the point of overheating) indoors and 2.) they need to properly acclimate to the weather to be able to do their work safely.
What type of containment a musher (or any person honestly) may choose is an incredibly personal decision and there is neither a "better" or "worse" type of containment when it is done properly and dogs are cared for, just different options for different people. Again I impress, (as somebody that has crate trained dogs), how is people keeping their dogs in crates all day any better or worse than a dog on a chain with proper shelter, food and water? There is no one answer.
Being able to be chained calmly is also an important sled dog skill if you are going to take your dog places (being able to sit calmly on a short containment is a great dog skill regardless if you have a working dog or not imo). Expedition overnight? Dog needs to learn how to be on a drop chain/picket line which is similar to chaining. Same with a race. Same with if you are pulling over to have lunch on the trail and your dogs need to hang out calmly in harness for a bit. This is an important skill regardless if your dogs are kept in pens or on chains at home. My dogs sleep in my house, but spend a LOT of time outside. They are also trained to be chained because it is a necessary skill.
When looking into proper sled dog care guidelines I highly recommend the Mush with P.R.I.D.E. sled dog care guidelines and kennel inspection program requirements. The care guidelines lay out how dogs should be kept in multiple types of containment and it is a care ethics organization run by mushers, for mushers. I personally find their guidelines and kennel requirements a step above what pet dogs often receive in terms of care, enrichment and living environment.
