In many homes across India, a dog is brought in for one reason: to guard the house. It is tied at the gate, given food and water, and little else. No walks, no time inside, nobody calling its name just for the pleasure of it.
Dogs are protective by nature, and many will warn you of a stranger. But a dog is not an alarm system. It is a social animal, and a life on a chain is a hard one.
What a life on a chain does to a dog
Dogs evolved to live in groups and form strong bonds with people. A dog kept alone and tied up for years has nowhere to go when it is frightened, too hot or bored, and no one to be with. Many such dogs bark constantly, pace, dig, chew at the chain or become reactive. A dog that cannot move away from what scares it has only one way to protect itself: to bark, lunge and bite.
What the law says
India's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 treats this as cruelty. Section 11 makes it an offence to keep an animal for an unreasonable time on a chain or cord that is unreasonably short or heavy, and to neglect to exercise a dog that is habitually chained up or kept in close confinement.
A dog guards better as part of the family
A dog that is walked, played with and kept close knows who its people are, and it notices when something is wrong at home. That attentiveness comes from the bond, not from the chain. A frightened, isolated dog barks at everything, and is more likely to bite out of fear.
What every dog needs
- Shelter from sun and rain, and a dry place to lie down. Assam's summers and monsoons are hard on a dog left outside.
- Fresh water and good food, every day.
- Exercise: walks and play every day, not just space to stand in.
- Company: time with its family, and a place in the house.
- Vet care: vaccines, deworming, tick control and a check-up at least once a year.
- Kind training: dogs learn best with rewards. Veterinary behaviourists advise against force, pain or fear in training.
Indian dogs deserve a chance
Families spend large sums on imported breeds while Indian dogs wait in shelters and on the streets. Indies are adapted to this climate, intelligent and loyal, and usually hardy. Many make excellent, watchful companions.
Before bringing a dog home
Ask yourself honestly:
- Will someone have time for a walk and play every day, for the next ten to fifteen years?
- Can the dog live with you, not just near you?
- Will you still care for it when it is old, slow or ill?
If the answer is yes, a dog will give you far more than protection. If the only reason is the gate, a dog is the wrong answer. A dog needs a family.
Sources
General information, not a diagnosis. If your pet seems unwell, contact a vet.
