Rescue Black Lab

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi There.
My step son brought home a 4  month black month 2 mnths ago.  He was up for euthinization due to his beyhavior problems.  After his coming to us, I felt he just hadnt been given enough time, and had been confined to a kennel indefinetly.  We as a family were overwhelmed with how hard he was to owrk with.  My husband and I both worked full time.  I had taught him some basic commands (which he was starting to respond to)  But I felt it was unfair to the animal that we were never there.  Out of love i privately started to look for a better home for him.  I interviewed the new      oner and he seemed gentle and kind.  Now after inquiring after the dog I have found he has been forced to chain him up.  I am very distraught over this and continue to tell this person I dont belive in chaining a dog, and that it is a poor quality of life for him.  I have asked for him back if they felt he was unworkable.  My intentions were to better the quality of life for the dog..not lower it.  How do you feel about chaining a dog up to train it tostay?  And do I have rights to take the dog back if I feel he is being not treated properly.  He is six months old and un neutered.
Please let me know what you think, as I feel terrible about this mistake I may of made.
Jacqueline
Answer -
Chained?  What do you mean, chained to a dog house and left there most of the time?  That is wrong.  Tethered outside long enough to relieve itself without wondering away, and brought in when it wants to, fine.  I have done that for many years and still tether the dog out front when I am working out front.  

I think you have the moral right, but no legally enforceable right to demand him back.  Young Labs can be difficult to deal with because of their chewing.  It can be controlled with plenty of attention, crates, Bitter Apple, and mousetraps.  If you get the dog back, or if you think the present keeper would listen, I can help you cope with chewing and fouling in the house.
Thanks you very much for replying so soon.  I went up to the new home of our Lab today.  It is his second day with the new owner.  He was chained to the dog house on about 15 feet of chain.  The new owner takes him off the chain to walk him (four times a day)  He informs me that he is following a guide in Black Lab training video.  He fears that without 'any'control of the dog he must not let him run lose until he learns to respond to commands.  It seems he wants to use chaining him up to teach him this is his new home and not to run away.  He also feels that as I mentioned it is the safest thing for the dog until he learns to listen and respond to his voice.  He gives me permission to stop in and promices he will be off the chain soon.  I dont believe in chaining up a dog at all, but am i wrong?  Does he need to be kept safe for a while until he learns to stay. He also has a small child who the Lab is running over and hurting.  As I mentioned he was a rescue dog to begin with and when he was here he was very very hard to handle, but was starting to respond to my voice, if only for a few seconds.
Thanks so much again.

Answer
Dogs belong in the house.  Leaving it chained up will not teach it to stay in the yard.  It is very difficult to teach most dogs not to roam if left loose outside.  I see dogs allowed to run loose as a bigger problem than the chained dog.  The biggest problem is that they nearly all are killed in traffic.  In the mean time, they get into trash, chase cats, fouled yards, dig up flower beds, and in general annoy the neighbors.  They are also responsible for many cases of dog bites.  Letting a dog run loose is irresponsible anywhere and illegal in most places.  I see this dog as on a path to be chained up and left that way.  

If the video promises to train a loose dog not to roam, likely it is a rip off. I visit many web sites that are junk.  Many of them have videos available.  If you are truly interested in human treatment of the dog, see http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/.http