I drilled a 10in 1/4 inch hole into the center of the garage door and epoxied an eye hook 10in into the concrete. I then attached a tension spring, chain, swivel and climbing carabiner.
Why is the chain so big?
Eh, not sure, maybe I over estimated what I needed when he was little but as it is he won't need another one. Consider that if he bit someone walking into my garage (I have proper signage posted) it would be my legal responsibility in court to show that I properly thought out how to restrain my dog, and I have. This way I can go inside the house and do some work take care of the kids etc if he doesn't feel like going inside he can hang there without scaring the heck out of people by being off leash in my front yard with no fence. If someone comes up to the house to peddle goods or god, they know I have a big scary dog that doesn't like uninvited guests.
When he is outside which is rare its usually our backyard. If he doesn't feel like hanging out in the backyard with the stockade fence because its too hot he hangs out in the garage with the door cracked 1/2 way with a misting fan and a regular barrel fan, in the winter he has a space heater, and in the spring a dehumidifier.
You are correct, these are Velcro dogs he is literally my black shadow and goes most everywhere with me. When I am doing yard work in the front he follows me around, or to neighbors houses, etc (and he is always off leash). Its just that occasionally he hangs in the garage and watches people walk by or drive past, its a good deterrent and people driving through remember where he lives and he is able to get a handle on what is common and what is not common for the neighborhood.
Some things to consider, I live in a new housing development within Texas off of (35) which is basically the bloodline that supplies drugs to the continental USA from Mexico. Texas has a violent crime rate, its a fact. Sometimes there is gang activity within the area. About two weeks ago there was a body dumped on the steps of a local restaurant. Its better to be cautious and aware then complacent and ignorant, should I be scared? Nah.