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Last Updated on February 14, 2023
I am sure you have encountered the following before. Whenever you go camping or wish to have a good time with your family in the park, you are forced to keep your dog on a tight leash to you as you are fearful of them running away. While there are devices such as the GPS tracker for dogs or even the portable playpens that you can employ to ensure that you can retrieve your dog when needed, it might get a little tricky if the dog starts to take off and suffer from injuries. As such, wouldn’t it be better if there are devices that help you to anchor your dog to a specific locality within your sight, yet having the freedom to run about? This ‘device’ is actually called a tie-out.
What Is A Dog Tie Out
Essentially, a dog tie out is a system of stakes and cables that help to tether your dog to a spot that you have specifically chosen. It allows you to have a good time in the park together with your dog, but not needing to hold on to a dog leash at all, yet the dog will still be allowed to run relatively free.
This system can be easy to install, yet it does have its own perils.
Why Use a Dog Tie Out?
One of the biggest benefits of using a dog tie out is that it allows your furry friend to enjoy the outdoors while still being safe and secure. When tied out, your dog can explore, play, and get exercise, without the risk of running away, getting lost, or getting into danger.
Additionally, a tie out can be a great tool for training and behavior modification. By using a tie out, you can teach your dog boundaries, and help them learn to stay within a specific area. It’s also a great tool for dogs who may be prone to aggression or anxiety, as it allows them to be outside without interacting with other dogs or people.
Things To Note When Using A Dog TIe Out
While we understand the benefits of using the dog tie out, it does come with its own perils and should be fully understood before you make that purchase. Some of the problems include:
- Weak Stakes
If the stakes are not properly installed, or you are using an inferior dog tie out, then there is a risk that your dog might just take off and dislodge the tie out. - Confined
While the purpose is to anchor your dog to a specific location, that itself can be perilous to dogs. Once they are being anchored, they cannot run if there is an impending danger. While this is an extremely unlikely event, what happens if there is a bear or another ferocious dog in the vicinity? The dog will be unable to run, or even unable to protect you. So this might be a concern if you are living in an area where there are known to be populated by bears or other wild animals. - Danger
Another form of danger is that the leash might get tangled up, and the dog might just be strangled. While this is also a small possibility of occurring, we should not negate this too. One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to have a visual of your dog when you employ a tie out on them.
Of course, as per most equipment that you purchase, there are some guidelines that you can adhere to when it comes to utilizing the dog tie out when out in the park
- Weather
This is perhaps one of the most important factor that you should consider. When the weather is hot, ensure that you do not let your dog be tethered to the tie out for too long. Keep your dog hydrated at all times. - Environment
As for the environment, you need to be aware of the surroundings as well as the terrain itself. Try to anchor the stake at an even ground. Also, you might want to avoid places that is known to have wild animals roaming around.
What Types Of Tie Outs Are There
So now that we know the dangers as well as what to look out for when we install the tie outs, it is now a good time to introduce to you the various types of tie outs that you can find. There are two main types of tie outs that you can use, which is the stake tie out as well as the trolly tie out.
Stake Tie Out
Stake tie out is one of the most commonly used tie out system because of the simplicity of installing the stake tie out itself. All you need to do, is to secure the stake on the ground and attach the leash or cable to the stake itself. It is commonly chosen because of the ease of using it. As a general guideline, try to find stakes that have a swivel design so as to reduce the possibility of entanglement.
One of the best stake tie out is the SUREswivel 360 degree Swiveling Pet Tie-Out.
The SUREswivel 360 degree Swiveling Pet Tie-Out is popular because of its functionality as well as its ability to hold the dog steady with the tie out system. It is designed to ensure a full 360-degrees swiveling tie-out that ensures zero tanglement at all.
What we like about the SUREswivel 360 degree tie out is its stability. As a result of the 6 spiraled anchor stakes, the entire tie out is able to withstand forces up to 1000 pounds! This is definitely much more than even the largest dog can ever pull off. And this is also because the stake itself is screwed to the ground, hence providing stability and security.
Even if you have two dogs, you will be able to use this tie in too. This makes it perfect for your camping trips!
Trolley Tie Out System
The trolley tie out system will require some assembly skills, but that itself shouldn’t deter you because it does have its own benefits. Unlike the Stake tie out system, the trolly tie out allows your dog to have more room to run around because the cable/leash is tied to an overhead pulley system. Usually installed between two tall objects, the trolley system is known to have a lower change in getting the dog tangled up.
One of best trolly tie out system for dogs is the PUPTECK Reflective Dog Run Cable.
The PUPTECK Reflective Dog Run Cable is truly an amazing engineering feat. The cable itself is made with 100% steel hence able to withstand dogs weighing up to 125 pounds. Also, the steel cable is also reflective in nature, hence your dog can also use it in the night without fearing that the cable might hit you or someone else. The 100 feet tie out cable can be secured to two tall poles or even onto trees, and your dog could now run freely while it is anchored to the zip line.
One of the reasons why it is so popular is due to the shock absorbent springs that is located at the cable tie out itself. This ensures that your dog will not suffer from a sudden jerk to the cables when it ran to the end of the leash. The swivel design, coupled together with the trolley tie out system, ensures that the leash will not get tangled up at all.
To install the trolley tie out, you can refer to the video below.
How to shorten dog tie out
To shorten a dog tie-out, you can tie a knot in the cable or chain at the desired length or use a shorter cable or chain that is the appropriate length for your dog. It’s important to ensure that the tie-out is not too short, as this can be uncomfortable and restrictive for your dog, and not too long, as it can be a safety hazard. Additionally, it’s important to supervise your dog while they are on a tie-out to ensure their safety and well-being.
How to tie out 2 dogs without them getting tangled
One option is to use two separate tie-out stakes and leashes, positioning them so that the dogs cannot reach each other. Another option is to use a double-ended leash or a leash splitter to attach each dog to a separate tie-out point, ensuring that the leashes are of equal length to prevent tangling. Additionally, supervising the dogs while they are outside and being proactive about untangling them as needed can also help prevent tangling.
While a dog tie out can be a great tool for keeping your furry friend safe and secure, it’s important to use it properly to avoid any accidents or injuries. Here are some tips for using a dog tie out safely:
- Choose the right type of tie out for your dog’s size and behavior. For example, if your dog is prone to digging or pulling, a stake tie out may not be the best option.
- Always supervise your dog when they are tied out. This will allow you to quickly respond if they become tangled or show any signs of distress.
- Use a sturdy, high-quality cable or chain, and regularly check it for signs of wear and tear.
- Never tie your dog out in extreme weather conditions, such as during a thunderstorm or heatwave.
- Make sure your dog has access to shade, water, and shelter while tied out.
Conclusion
A dog tie out can be a great tool for keeping your furry friend safe and secure while enjoying the great outdoors. By choosing the right type of tie out, using it properly, and supervising your dog at all times, you can ensure their safety and give them the freedom they crave.
