Dogs
By Suzanne Alicie
For most pet owners, our dogs are a part of the family. We do everything we can to provide them with a happy, healthy life and a secure area to play outside, but there are people out there who steal animals. They take dogs right from their yards if they are left unattended. Or if a dog gets out of his yard, instead of attempting to find the owner they simply keep the dog.
Some pet thefts are for nefarious reasons while some people take pets to “adopt” them, and others will sell pets to make money. No matter what the reason, it is heartbreaking for you and your family. While there is no absolute guarantee besides never letting your dog out of your sight, there are a few things you can do to help prevent pet theft.
Secure Your Yard
The first thing is to make sure your yard or play area is secure, where your dog cannot get out and where people are not tempted to go in. While it may look unsightly, a bit of barbed wire across the top of your fence can be a good deterrent. A tilted ledge can keep people from being able to reach in and grab your dog’s collar or climb in to take your dog. A locking gate is also important, as well as a “no trespassing” sign. Believe it or not, thieves feel that if it’s not posted they are free to wander in as they please.
Be Vigilant
No matter how secure the area may seem to be, always check on your dog frequently while he’s playing outside. Never go away for the day leaving your dog in the yard; put him inside where he will be safe from thieves and from any outside dangers while you aren’t there to keep an eye on him. If you go to a dog park, keep your dog on a leash to avoid giving thieves an opportunity to make off with him when he goes to fetch a ball. Keep unleashed play restricted to your yard.
Micro-Chip Him
Get your dog micro-chipped and also attach a tag with contact information on his collar. Many times if a dog gets loose, a kind stranger will look for a tag or even take your pet to the vet to check for a microchip before taking him to a shelter. It’s imperative to keep your contact information current so that people are able to locate you quickly if your dog goes missing; it could mean the difference between life or death for your dog in some situations.
You may think that only purebred dogs are at risk of being stolen, but there is a market for all types and breeds of dog. It’s up to you as a responsible pet owner to do everything in your power to ensure that your dog is protected from thieves. Small or large, fluffy or short haired, our pets are part of our family and need to be protected just as children do.
Keep in mind that there’s more to being a responsible pet owner than feeding your furry friend a quality dog food like CANIDAE Pure Elements. You are responsible for their health, happiness, vet care and safety. too. Take every step you can to prevent pet theft and keep your dog safe at home with you!
Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie
- Choosing The Best Leash And Collar For Your Dog
By Suzanne Alicie Just as there are many different sizes and types of dogs, the same is true for leashes and collars. Choosing a leash and collar combination that is right for your dog’s size and strength is an important part of being a responsible...
- How To Train Your Dog With Invisible Fencing
By Suzanne Alicie Invisible fencing is a method of containing your pet that, while it may seem quick and easy, actually requires quite a bit of training in order to make your pet understand. Essentially the fencing is laid underground and your pet will...
- What To Do When Your Dog Gets Loose
By Ruthie Bently As a responsible pet owner you never want anything to happen to your dog, but what about those times you have no control over? We have a fenced yard for Skye, but accidents sometimes happen. A delivery person drops off a package and...
- Invisible Fencing: Pros And Cons
By Ruthie Bently Many communities these days do not allow fencing, as they feel it ruins the aesthetics of the view from one’s front yard and can affect property values. One alternative many pet owners are trying is “invisible fencing.” The premise...
- Dangers For Outdoor Dogs
By Suzanne Alicie Some dogs just aren’t able to be kept indoors. You can set up your yard in a way that you think is wonderful for your outdoor dog but there are dangers that even fenced and penned outdoor dogs face. You can’t simply put a dog out...
Dogs
Tips for Preventing Dog Theft
For most pet owners, our dogs are a part of the family. We do everything we can to provide them with a happy, healthy life and a secure area to play outside, but there are people out there who steal animals. They take dogs right from their yards if they are left unattended. Or if a dog gets out of his yard, instead of attempting to find the owner they simply keep the dog.
Some pet thefts are for nefarious reasons while some people take pets to “adopt” them, and others will sell pets to make money. No matter what the reason, it is heartbreaking for you and your family. While there is no absolute guarantee besides never letting your dog out of your sight, there are a few things you can do to help prevent pet theft.
Secure Your Yard
The first thing is to make sure your yard or play area is secure, where your dog cannot get out and where people are not tempted to go in. While it may look unsightly, a bit of barbed wire across the top of your fence can be a good deterrent. A tilted ledge can keep people from being able to reach in and grab your dog’s collar or climb in to take your dog. A locking gate is also important, as well as a “no trespassing” sign. Believe it or not, thieves feel that if it’s not posted they are free to wander in as they please.
Be Vigilant
No matter how secure the area may seem to be, always check on your dog frequently while he’s playing outside. Never go away for the day leaving your dog in the yard; put him inside where he will be safe from thieves and from any outside dangers while you aren’t there to keep an eye on him. If you go to a dog park, keep your dog on a leash to avoid giving thieves an opportunity to make off with him when he goes to fetch a ball. Keep unleashed play restricted to your yard.
Micro-Chip Him
Get your dog micro-chipped and also attach a tag with contact information on his collar. Many times if a dog gets loose, a kind stranger will look for a tag or even take your pet to the vet to check for a microchip before taking him to a shelter. It’s imperative to keep your contact information current so that people are able to locate you quickly if your dog goes missing; it could mean the difference between life or death for your dog in some situations.
You may think that only purebred dogs are at risk of being stolen, but there is a market for all types and breeds of dog. It’s up to you as a responsible pet owner to do everything in your power to ensure that your dog is protected from thieves. Small or large, fluffy or short haired, our pets are part of our family and need to be protected just as children do.
Keep in mind that there’s more to being a responsible pet owner than feeding your furry friend a quality dog food like CANIDAE Pure Elements. You are responsible for their health, happiness, vet care and safety. too. Take every step you can to prevent pet theft and keep your dog safe at home with you!
Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie
- Choosing The Best Leash And Collar For Your Dog
By Suzanne Alicie Just as there are many different sizes and types of dogs, the same is true for leashes and collars. Choosing a leash and collar combination that is right for your dog’s size and strength is an important part of being a responsible...
- How To Train Your Dog With Invisible Fencing
By Suzanne Alicie Invisible fencing is a method of containing your pet that, while it may seem quick and easy, actually requires quite a bit of training in order to make your pet understand. Essentially the fencing is laid underground and your pet will...
- What To Do When Your Dog Gets Loose
By Ruthie Bently As a responsible pet owner you never want anything to happen to your dog, but what about those times you have no control over? We have a fenced yard for Skye, but accidents sometimes happen. A delivery person drops off a package and...
- Invisible Fencing: Pros And Cons
By Ruthie Bently Many communities these days do not allow fencing, as they feel it ruins the aesthetics of the view from one’s front yard and can affect property values. One alternative many pet owners are trying is “invisible fencing.” The premise...
- Dangers For Outdoor Dogs
By Suzanne Alicie Some dogs just aren’t able to be kept indoors. You can set up your yard in a way that you think is wonderful for your outdoor dog but there are dangers that even fenced and penned outdoor dogs face. You can’t simply put a dog out...