Hi,

We have had a lot of problems locally regarding dog thefts, only last week I was really upset to find that a little spaniel had been stolen from his owner whilst out on a walk on a very local beach. Thing is that the thieves took the dog by pretending to make a fuss of the dog then grabbing the lead and running!!!!
I am now too worried to take my new puppy for a walk, sounds silly I know but she is a very appealing breed to a thief and all the microchips and tattoos in the
world are not going to stop someone from snatching her.
I have bred her myself and she is hopefully going to be my first show girl so obviously I want to get her out there and show her off. Should I just get on with it ( and order a stun gun incase anyone trys ) or restrict her socialization to ringcraft etc????  What would you do???           Debbie

Hi Debbie

You can't live your life with "what if" happens.  You could get mugged as you walk down the street, or burgled or struck by lightning - all things that "may" happen but in reality you would be very unlucky if they happen to you. If your pup is chipped and tattooed you have done the best you can to protect her - now let her live her life to the full.

I gather you got your breeding restrictions lifted then?

Hi Christine,

To be honest there has been alot of dog thefts going on for a while , it wasn't until it happened on my beach that it really hit me.
My puppy is a Cavalier King Charles, the ideal target for a thief!!!

Anyway I did finally managed to get the endorsements lifted from my Dobes registration and am hoping to have a litter from her on her next season.

Just an over protective mum I guess

Debbie

i agree with keriok (sp), bad things happen all the time, just enjoy your puppy!
as long as these Wan*ers steal our dogs, we will be over protective, but hey thats not nessicarly a bad thing.

have fun!
p.s im very jealous! :D

I've found my disability has actually come in very useful in this situation as on the occassions I do walk the dogs I can't hold the lead so thread my bum bag thru the handle.  I had an incident last summer where a child threw himself at my 4mth old puppy who promptly bolted out of fear - it made me realise that I can't rely on my grip to keep the dogs safe.  This methold also saved one of my dogs just before Xmas when someone tried to run off with her ----- certainly got more than he bargained for!

Hi Debbie, I appreciate your concerns, it is a real worry.  But one of the joys of having dogs is the pleasure in walking and if we can't enjoy this then it is very sad.  Why not really concentrate on recall training so you can call your dog in with no worry.   The more you walk, the more you will recognize people and get to know who you can trust.  Enjoy your dog, we must not give in to the bully's who try to ruin our lives.
Lorna

I think one has to be cautious, sad though it is :(

I have completely changed my day due to possible dog theft - i never take my dog out and leave her in the car whilst i shop any more, so it means 2 trips out instead of one, but i can live with that.

I know of a vet who had 2 people approach her and try to steal her lurcher in theNew Forest by telling her it was theirs and trying to make off with him; luckily she is very strong and has a strong character and refused to be intimidated and when these people realised they would have a real fight on their hands, left her alone, but she was very lucky.

I would say, enjoy your pup and take her out but avoid dodgy areas as apart from anything else, you willworry too much to enjoy the walk.Keep a mobile phone handy, and if walking anywhere i feel worried, i get my keys out and walk with the sharp end ready in case. Try to walk where there are other people. In all probability you will be fine and your dogs will be safe.

Lindsay

My little girl Kirra was dognapped last fall.  I guess our neighbours had seen a guy approach her and a girl (a girlfriend I think), drove up in a car and the guy grabbed Kirra and jumped in.  My quick thinking neighbour grabbed a camera and took a picture of the back of the car.  Kirra was picked up by the bylaw patrol about 3 blocks from my house, playing with a cat.  We think they nappers saw the picture being taken and got nervous so they kicked her out.  She was brought back to the house and is safe and sound.  The stinger end to this story is that I had to pay a fine for her being off my property.  This time it was a little warning fee, but next time...if there is a next time, $100.  It makes you think, if people will take dogs, I don't ever want to have kids.
Drai