Guest Post by Dr. Susan Wright – Learn more about Susan at the end of this post.
Dognapping; is it just in the movies like 101 Dalmatians or a real concern for dog owners? Apparently, in the United States it is becoming an increasing crime with a forty-nine percent increase in stolen dog reports in the first seven months of 2011 according to the American Kennel Club. The reason for the dognappings is money of course.
Often times the thieves that take the dogs from their loving owners are motivated by the price tag associated with the pooch from a resale to another unsuspecting dog lover or are waiting to claim the cash reward from the concerned owner trying to find their beloved dog. Unfortunately, in today’s economy dogs are an easy target with a high monetary return, which is why dognappings continue to rise in the United States. While any dog could be at risk, the most sought after dogs for dognapping are pure breeds, or dogs that look to be a pure breed; especially smaller dogs, as they are easier to wisp away in a moment’s time.
Targeted Breeds
Breeds most likely to be targeted are popular pure breeds that people are willing to pay a high price tag to obtain. Some of those breeds include the adorable, little Yorkshire Terriers. Yorkies are an extremely popular breed, and the smaller they are, the more expensive they can be. Pomeranians and TzuShihs are two other small dog breeds that thieves target due to their popularity. Poodles have a distinct and ritzy appearance, coupled with a high intelligence that makes them an easy breed to sell quickly by thieves. Bulldogs are a little more difficult for thieves to steal due to their stout stature, but are another pure breed that is often easy to earn a quick return on. Thieves use many avenues to sell off their lifted dogs, which can be advertising dogs for sale on the side of the road, at flea markets and even online on sites like Craig’s List. Typically they will have counterfeit papers to add to their credibility and the dog’s authenticity.
Protecting Your Furry Friend
Keeping your dog safe and on your property is a great step in protecting your pet from being dognapped. Using an invisible fence is an effective way of keeping your dog from escaping a typical fence and can give you a wonderful sense of peace, although the best place to ensure their safety would of course be in your backyard where they are unseen from possible thieves.
When walking your dog or going around town, keep your dog on a leash and by your side at all times. Never tie your dog up while you go shopping inside – if you must go somewhere you dog is not allowed, it is best to not take your dog on that trip!
Microchips are a great way to help ensure your dog is always tied to you, the proper owner. Microchips allow veterinarians and shelters to know the pets real owner that is programmed into the chip that is implanted under the dog’s skin. Even if your beloved pup is stolen from you – a veterinarian and shelters will be able to know if the dog belongs to someone else.
By taking the proper safety precautions you can go a long way in helping deter thieves from stealing your furry, four-legged best friend. While you may already, think of your pet as one of your children and do your best to protect them from harm’s way.
As a dog training collar expert, practicing veterinarian, mother and dog lover Susan Wright shares advice with dog owners to help them keep their dogs safe when dogs like to roam more often.
