Your furry friend is your heart and soul, and if anything were to happen to them, you’d be heartbroken. This is the simple truth. However, as you’re protecting your fur baby from health-related problems and accidents, it might slip your attention that there is another risk you need to be aware of.
Dog thefts.
For whatever reason, be it breeding or reselling, dog thefts are on the rise. Pedigree dogs are particularly at risk of being stolen for these reasons, and whilst you may want your dog to run free whilst you’re out walking or whilst they’re running around your garden, you have to be on your guard about this rather terrible rising crime. If your dog were to be stolen, it’s very hard to retrieve them, due to the notoriously secretive nature of this type of crime.
The good news is that there are things you can do to reduce the risk of dog theft happening to you.
Make Sure Your Dog is Protected
Your dog needs to be microchipped, so if they are found they can be traced back to you. Also, make sure your contact details are up to date on the chip and if you do change your phone number or move house, that you have this updated. It’s a legal requirement to have a dog tag on your dog’s collar, even if they’re microchipped. This tag needs to include your surname, your postcode and an up to date contact number. The microchip acts as a backup because a thief could easily remove a tag from your dog’s collar.
Record Your Dog’s Appearance
This might sound crazy because you no doubt have your dog’s appearance committed to memory but if your dog was to go missing, you’d have to remember the tiniest details and that’s hard when you’re worried and upset. If your dog has any distinguishing features, note them down and take photographs of them. You should also take regular photos of your dog from different angles. In addition, selfies with your dog are recommended because they prove that you’re the owner.
Establish Recall Training
Recall training is important because it could be the difference between your dog willingly going off with a stranger and choosing not to. Recall training means that your dog returns to you rather than allows their head to be turned by a distraction, e.g. a treat or something they want to chase.
Mix up Your Walks
The more predictable you are, the more able a dog thief is to find you. Change the time of day you go for walks and change the route up regularly. This is good for you and your dog anyway because it keeps walks interesting and avoids monotony.
Invest in Strong and Secure Climbing Rope Dog Leads
If you have a lead that is strong and isn’t going to snap or breakaway, that cuts down on the chances of your dog running if they see something they like the look of. Dog thieves are likely to use all kinds of distraction techniques to lure dogs away and if your lead is strong enough to hold them when they try to bolt, you’ll be in a better position. Our climbing rope dog leads are the ideal choice here as they have a screw-lock carabiner that won’t snap.
Secure Your Garden Perimeter
Make sure there are no holes in the hedgerows and that nobody can lean over the fence or gate and lift your dog. Also, make sure that your dog isn’t able to jump the fence or gate if they become excited by something that is attempting to lure them away from the safety of your garden.
Use a Camera
Install a camera in your garden or yard to check on your dog. This will also help if the worst was to happen; you may be able to catch details on the camera that could help the authority to track them down. You can also have a camera indoors which you can simply switch on before you leave the house to check up on your dog.
Don’t Leave Your Dog Unattended Away From Home
If you go out for a walk and need to nip to the shops, don’t leave your dog tied up outside. Also, don’t leave them in the car whilst you go anywhere. These are prime opportunities for dog thieves to strike.
The idea of someone taking your dog is probably extremely painful and that’s exactly how it feels when it happens. By protecting against the risk and being cautious, the chances of you avoiding this increasing crime are far more in your favour.
