Dog theft - looking for prevention tips

[WelshMammy123]

Hi all,

We have a gorgeous 4 month old cocker spaniel and despite having read various reports of dogs being stolen, I've not been overly concerned believing that we'd never do anything if we worried about that all the time. However yesterday after the umpteenth person warned me about him being stolen I thought I would look in to what preventative steps we can take to make it harder if someone did try to take him. I'm thinking more around whether there are any safety devices that can be used to make stealing him harder such as locks etc. I've had a look online but perhaps I'm searching for the wrong thing as the things I'm thinking if aren't coming up as an option.

So I wondered if anyone had any recommendations on keeping pup safe specifically when we're out and about.

Thanks

Sadly most dog thefts occur from your own property - so first up, make sure your garden is secure, gates are locked and the pup is never out there on their own. Especially if the garden is overlooked or you have paths running along them.

Installing CCTV can help, at least for peace of mind. There's a huge range of cameras, I have battery powered WiFi ones for my back garden and my rabbit's shed, they were about £70 each from Amazon.

When your pup is old enough, getting him neutered is also a deterrent. SO many Spaniels who are stolen are with the intention of breeding which is why they vanish.

Also make sure his microchip details are fully up to date and he always has a collar and tag. You can add to his collar tag that he's neutered as well once he's done. You can get tags online here:
www.dogstrust.org.uk/shopping/dog-tags/

They have some advice on dog theft too:
www.dogstrust.org.uk/news-events/issues-campaigns/dog-theft/

Dog theft isn't quite as common as the media will lead you to believe though, as heartbreaking as it is for those who've had it happen. Dogs escaping from gardens or bolting on walks is a lot more common.

In addition to pp above:

Never leave your dog tied up anywhere even for a few minutes in a public place (i.e. outside shop).

You can replace lead clip with carabiner lock (takes more time to undo) or you can buy leads fitted with carabiner locks - this is because lately some people have been approached by someone admiring their dog and then, while stroking it, unclipping the lead and running off with the dog (usually to a nearby vehicle).

That being the case, best not to let strangers come too near your dog even if they ask to stroke him/her. You can say the dog is nervous and might snap if you want to be polite about it.

Don't leave your dog alone in a parked vehicle as, in my area at least, several have been stolen from cars/vans in car parks.

CCTV is a great idea - I regularly look at DogLostUk and have seen that many stolen dogs have been able to be recovered because of CCTV footage of the thieves and their vehicles.

Most of the thefts I know of near me have been dogs left outside, or ones that live outside in sheds or outhouses tbh.

mypawchella sell anti theft straps which go around your wrist. Also personal alarms are becoming quite common.

Most dogs are stolen from outhouses, sheds and kennels, or from outside shops and cars. The number of dogs who are stolen mid-walk is still extremely low, even though social media would have you think otherwise.

My advice would be:

• never, ever leave your dog unattended in public. If you can't take them inside the shop or cafe with you, leave them at home.
• no matter how secure you think your garden is, don't go out and leave your dog alone in the garden, or in a run, shed or kennel.
• always bring your dog inside at night and make sure the doors are locked.
• on walks, you could use a metal lead to prevent someone cutting it. Never let your dog off unless they have good recall. Vary the times and locations of your walks. Walk with a friend or family member if it makes you feel more secure. Always make sure you have your phone on you and tell someone where you're going.
• make sure his chip details are up to date and registered to you, and make sure he's wearing a tag with your details on (Both of those are legal requirements).
• make sure you have an up-to-date photograph of him including any unusual, unique or identifying marks or features.

But, saying all that, the risk is still incredibly low.

Ours has a tattoo on her belly that they did while she was being spayed. That way if anyone did steal her we could prove she was ours. It was very common when we lived in the US so I asked our vet here if they could do it and they could.

Thank you all for your really helpful replies. It sounds like my main fear (him being stolen whilst we're on a walk) isn't that common but still good to be mindful as per your replies. He's not left outside on his own and our garden is totally secure - at the moment he's only left on his own for 10-15 mins at a time and during those times he's inside the house and crated. Pleased to hear that it's still relatively rare although devastating of course for those is has happened to. Thanks again all.