Tethering stakes of the nature intended to be pounded flush with or below ground level. Certain of the tethering stakes include a cap on the pounding end which is adapted for ease of placement and release of a tethering line. Accordingly, the tethering line can be removed from the stake when it is to be pounded into the ground and then engaged with the stake only when tethering is desired. Certain of the embodiments include caps having uniquely shaped apertures for securing the tethering line. Another includes an aperture in communication with an aperture in the stake such that a lead cable or the like may be moved out of the way when the stake is pounded into the ground and may be fully received within the stake when tethering is not desired. Another embodiment employs a coupler passing through an aperture directly beneath the pounding surface to facilitate ease of attachment and removal of the tethering line.