In recent years, there is a worrying trend of rising dogs being stolen. This is a trend that we have been seeing all over the world, including Australia, USA, UK and Canada. Here are some things that you can do to protect your dog from being stolen.
Breeds Most At Risk
Some breeds of dogs are more at risk of being stolen by thieves than others due to the breed’s high resale value. Some of the most desirable dogs include purebreds, Chihuahuas and French bulldogs. Dogs with unusual colors or patterns are also vulnerable.
Similarly, working dogs such as Labrador Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels are also highly susceptible to being stolen.
Prevention
The first, and the most important, thing you can do to protect your dog from being stolen is to make it harder for would-be thieves from stealing them. Most thieves are opportunistic, they will go for dogs that are often left unattended in public. However, there has also been a rise from thieves stealing dogs from unsuspecting owners while out for work or during house break-ins. So here’s how you can protect your dog from being stolen.
At Home
To reduce the possibility of your dog being stolen at home, make sure the house is secure with good window and door locks.
Be sure to avoid leaving your dogs outside if you’re not home. This is because a really determined thief will force their way into your garden and snatch your dog even if the gates are locked and your backyard is surrounded by fences.
Also try and ensure that your dog isn’t left unattended regardless of how long you’ll be gone.
Avoid leaving your dog in the backyard when you’re not home – a fence isn’t going to stop a really determined thief from stealing your pooch!
Outside
To reduce the possibility of your dog being stolen when you guys are out and about in public, always make sure that your dog is wearing a leash and you’re holding onto the leash tightly. If your leash has a wrist strap or a loop at the end, always loop it around your wrist.
However, you might also decide to let your dog off its leash for them to run around and enjoy the freedom in public. Before you do this however, make sure that they are disciplined to return when called. And always make sure to keep them in sight at all times.
A wrist strap will give you peace of mind that you can’t accidentally drop the leash if your dog unexpectedly tries to chase something. Purchase the wrist strap pictured by clicking here or on the photo.
If in doubt, you can recall them and put the leash back. If your dog isn’t good at following instructions, keep them on a leash in any open or non-secure spaces. You should also avoid giving strangers too much information about your dog.
Be proactive and report any suspicious activity you see, either in public or at home. If you feel unsafe, you can always arrange walking groups with your friends or neighbors.
Using Technology
What happens if your dog does get stolen? Well, if you microchip your dog, it’ll make it 1000x easier to track them down.
Microchipping your pets is already a legal requirement for some countries. But even if it’s not required in your country, microchipping your dog is still a smart idea. There have been success stories of dogs reuniting with their owners when scanned for a microchip.
You can also consider getting a pet tracking device. Connected via an app on your smartphone, these devices will monitor your dog’s whereabouts, giving you a calm state of mind.
Pet tracking devices can help locate missing or stolen dogs much quicker. Purchase the tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs by clicking here or on the photo above.
What To Do If Your Dog Has Been Stolen
Even if you take the necessary steps to prevent your dog from being stolen, it could still happen. If it does, notify the police, rescue centers, local vets, and the microchip company immediately so they can keep an eye out if they see a dog matching your dog’s description.
Social media has also been used by people who have lost their dogs, with great success. To increase the chance of your dog being found on social media, make sure that there are numerous, fairly recent photos of your dog from multiple angles to help them find and identify your dog easier.
While dog theft is unfortunately a sad reality, you can take steps to adequately mitigate that risk. Being aware of the problem is a good start, and taking preventative measures should help minimize the risk of theft. After all, it is your best friend that you’re looking out for.
