There seems to be a stealth pandemic going on right under our noses – the incidence of dogs being stolen is on the rise. Carol shares a few simple tips that will help you keep your dog safe from dognappers. And if you’re worried your dog won’t settle on their own if you leave them, our Serene Separation course starts on 24th March.
Dogs are being stolen
Every day this week I’ve seen or heard of a dog being stolen. It seems to be becoming its own pandemic – and we really don’t need another one of those. (Though I feel closer to being safe again – we had our first vaccine last Monday.)
I’ve heard of dogs being taken from gardens, from cars, and even while with their owner on walks. It seems these low-lifes work in pairs, one to distract you while the other grabs the dog, cutting the lead if they need. I saw one horror stories about a dog having their microchip brutally cut out – I hope with all my heart that it is not true, but people who care so little about other people or their animals may well stoop to such disgusting and cruel actions I suppose.
Even though there are times when I fantasise briefly about having a different dog than Gus, usually when he’s exasperating me with unnecessary (in my view) barking, I’d be distraught if he was stolen.
Don’t let anyone take your dog.
We share some easy to follow tips to protect your dog
Here are a few tips that will help you keep your dog safe from dognappers:
- only let your dog outside in your garden when you can be there with him to supervise
- if you need to go back into the house for something, take your dog with you – it only takes seconds for a dog to be stolen
- train a great recall so you can call your dog away from anything suspicious when they are off lead
- never leave your dog tied up outside a shop
- never leave your dog alone in the car
- don’t let people approach and pet your dog – they can’t steal your dog if
you don’t let them get close – use that stop hand we teach in the Perfect Pet course! - make sure your dog’s tag and mircochip are up to date
- if you need to leave your dog at home while you go shopping or whatever, make sure all gates, doors and windows are shut and locked.
Our Serene Separation course will help an anxious dog (and owner!)
If you’re worried your dog won’t settle on their own if you leave them, come and join in our Serene Separation course. It’s a live taught, online course which will run on three consecutive Wednesday evenings from 24th March.
Each session will be recorded so if you do miss one session you can easily catch up. There’s also an accompanying workbook to remind you of the exercises and tasks we’ll share with you which are proven to help you and your dog cope with leaving them alone in the house.
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
