Obsessing over dog thefts

krusty101

I’ve got a 13 week old standard poodle. I’ve never had a dog before and I can’t believe the love the feel for him and despite how challenging having a puppy is (and boy, is it!) I wouldn’t be without him now. However some of my enjoyment is tainted by a fear of dog thefts. 

I’m reading so much on the news about them and people keep warning me constantly. There’s been some attempts in my area. I feel paranoid going for a walk, and when people stop to admire him I feel that pride you get but also a tinge of fear they might try something. I’d love to be able to carry some pepper spray or something but I know it’s illegal in the UK. I’m not sure I’m really expecting any advice, but does anyone else feel this way?

gettingtheresometime

If I needed to pop into the shop after walking my dog I would leave him outside & I never had any issues.
However if I still had him now there's no way on this planet would I leave him so no, I don't think you're being paranoid. 
You can only take precautions as if someone is determined to steal him from you whilst walking they will.
Personally I would never walk the dog off lead, walk in well populated areas and you may want to think about getting a rape alarm that you can set off if the worse happens.
The other thing to do (and I'm sure you are already) is to take lots of photos of your dog from different angles, again if the worse happens you've got update photos of him/
Try & limit posting pictures of him on social media.
The other thing to bare in mind is that as people return to work the demand for pups will decrease - we're after a rescue and are being to see the increase of availability of young dogs as people are returning to the offices and realising that working in an office and having a young dog at home isn't always practical. As this demand decreases, the price (and hence the returns on stealing a dog) will decrease.

krusty101

Thank you, some good advice there. I was thinking of an alarm but then thought it would terrify the dog, but I guess if he’s getting dognapped that’s the least of our problems  
I really hope this wave of thefts dies out like you say. It’s so sad though that people haven’t thought through the reality of getting a puppy and are giving them up. I hope you find a great new dog  

elsien

I think you need to keep it in proportion.
 Yes there have been some thefts but I do also believe that it is being exaggerated on social media. The alarm and being careful is your best bet - if you're carrying something that's not a weapon but it being taken out specifically to use as a weapon then you're potentially committing a crime.
Perfume in your handbag because you always carry perfume when you're out and about is probably fine.
Walking your dog with a spray bottle of perfume in your hand  or pocket "just in case"  is not fine. It's all down to context.
My dog doesn't go off-lead (although that's more because he's an eejit) and I would no longer ever leave him tied up anywhere without me. 
Lots of photos so if something does happen you can make him too hot to handle. I've known a couple of cases where that has worked successfully.  

Don't forget the number of people who don't have their dogs nicked far outweighs those that do. But not having your dog stolen isn't a story so doesn't hit the headlines. 

krusty101

elsien said:

I think you need to keep it in proportion.
 Yes there have been some thefts but I do also believe that it is being exaggerated on social media. The alarm and being careful is your best bet - if you're carrying something that's not a weapon but it being taken out specifically to use as a weapon then you're potentially committing a crime.
Perfume in your handbag because you always carry perfume when you're out and about is probably fine.
Walking your dog with a spray bottle of perfume in your hand  or pocket "just in case"  is not fine. It's all down to context.
My dog doesn't go off-lead (although that's more because he's an eejit) and I would no longer ever leave him tied up anywhere without me. 
Lots of photos so if something does happen you can make him too hot to handle. I've known a couple of cases where that has worked successfully.  

Don't forget the number of people who don't have their dogs nicked far outweighs those that do. But not having your dog stolen isn't a story so doesn't hit the headlines. 

Hi, yes you’re right. I’m not normally like this but he feels so precious to me I’ve hit new heights of anxiety. As a non-dog person before I really get it now!

tacpot12

Training your dog to have good recall could be a good defence mechanism. My partner and I were discussing the potential for someone to try to steal our dog last night. Our dog is very nervous of strangers. But if she is let off the lead, she would rather run in the woods at the back of the park where we walk her than trot along us as we walk around the park (we know the fence that runs along the back of the woods is secure so it's safe for her to be out of sight as she wouldn't approach someone, and they couldn't catch her). So we discussed the idea that if we were approached by anyone who we didn't like the look of we would let the dog off the lead, knowing she would run straight off into the woods for another play, and once the strangers had moved a way we would recall her. This might be a strategy for you. You might also consider taking out a walking stick with you when you go for a walk. It would not be a criminal offence to take a walking stick with you as a weapon to beat off vicious dogs which are another all too common threat these days.

The previous posters that have said this is very rare are right. The stories are worrying though, but being aware of your surroundings and being prepared to shout loudly at strangers approaching you that your dog will bite if they try to pet it should give you an idea as to whether they are going to come for the dog anyway. Only walking the dog in busy neighbourhoods and parks is good for the dog, and provides protection.

Try not to worry to much and enjoy your new companion. 

sheramber

It is sad that we have to be aware of dog thefts now 

Some suggestions have been.
  To avoid someone unclipping the lead as they admire and stroke the dog you can use a locking carabiner  to secure the lead to the collar / harness instead of using the clip attached to the lead. 
 Do not walk in isolated areas. Walk with other dog walkers or a friend ,  so you are  or in areas where there are other dog walkers .
When things open up go to a local training class which uses positive, reward methods so can meet other local dog owners who you might walk with.
Vary the times you walk your dog.
Do not leave alone outside a shop   or in a car.
Make sure your garden is secure  and no one can  access it.
Make sure your chip details are up to date. There are problems with missing Petlog's  records since  they updated  their website recently so if  your dog  has a Petlog chip it is worth checking that out.
But, please enjoy your dog.

 

krusty101

Thanks for all the tips everyone. I’ve signed up to a puppy class but I can’t get on until may now, would be good to meet some other dog owners as we’re  new to the area so don’t really know anyone. I’m going to drink my wine now and chillax! 

HampshireH

krusty101 said:

Thanks for all the tips everyone. I’ve signed up to a puppy class but I can’t get on until may now, would be good to meet some other dog owners as we’re  new to the area so don’t really know anyone. I’m going to drink my wine now and chillax! 

You will meet people. It's amazing how many people will ignore you on a Monday  (other days available) on your solo walk, but readily chat the next day if you have a dog with you. 

Though I find people recognise the dog more than the person 🤣 

My dog has a gorgeous face and gets lots of attention but take him out of the equation and no one has a clue who I am..

Enjoy being a dog person. It's got you for life now 

Timpu

Further suggestions.

-Vary your route and locations. Time has already been mentioned.

-We don't post photos on social media and ask friends and family to refrain also
-Dog people love talking and you'll get lots of questions about your dog. Keep the information you give out to a minimum until you're comfortable that the person is genuine.
-Keep your wits about you e.g. don't use head/earphones.
Do enjoy your dog, it's fantastic having a dog in your life!

gettingtheresometime

HampshireH said:

krusty101 said:

Thanks for all the tips everyone. I’ve signed up to a puppy class but I can’t get on until may now, would be good to meet some other dog owners as we’re  new to the area so don’t really know anyone. I’m going to drink my wine now and chillax! 

Though I find people recognise the dog more than the person 🤣 

After being known for years as X's mum, I finally thought I'd been recognised as a person in my own right until we got a dog & then I became known as Y's owner.