In a perfect world, there is no such thing as dog-napping. However, the reality is, terrible people are lurking where you would least expect them to be, often keeping an eye on your vulnerable dog, waiting for the right time to steal him or her.
Before discussing ways to keep your dog from becoming a victim, consider the fate of kidnapped dogs. At the very least, a stolen dog is sold for big bucks to another loving family. This is small comfort. Or, your dog could be sold for activities arguably much worse. Dog fighters look for bait dogs, and gentle dogs often fit the bill. Research laboratories can also be in the business of buying what they think are unwanted pets, from honest-looking people.
Now the good news: there are ways of making sure your pet is safe from dog nappers. Share these tips with your dog-owning neighbors, and build a community of activists looking out for all dogs...exactly what the dog-stealing professionals are betting against.
Never Let Your Dog Out of Your Sight
This is very important and the only thing you really need to know to prevent dog napping. One dog out of its owner's sight one time is all it takes, and the dog nappers have succeeded. Dog thieves are certainly looking for easy targets. Dogs relieving themselves out of an owner's sight are the easiest targets.
Dogs Must Never be Off-Lead and Remember Fences Protect Dogs
Your dog on his or her quality leash with the loop wrapped around your wrist is the safest way for your dog to be out among people. Dogs allowed to roam outside a fence are much more likely to be lured into a stranger's vehicle and placed on the open market, all to make money for the thieves.
Microchip Your Dog; Use Dog Tags on Dog Collars for Safety
Under ordinary, lost dog, circumstances, a microchip is not going to bring your dog home as quickly as you would want. A collar with tags, including an ID tag with your name and phone number will protect dogs from ending up at the shelter. The finder of your dog can contact you for a quick reunion. A non-professional is not going to have a wand to read a microchip. However, if your dog is stolen, a collar with tags can be removed, but the thief won't know your dog is chipped, and you have a tool for proving this is your dog.
Keep an Eye Out for Suspicious Behavior in Your Neighborhood
Even if you aren't a woman, use intuition. You know when something is not right as a strange car slowly trolls your neighborhood. Don't be hesitant to report suspicious activity to the authorities. Always get a license plate number and be one step ahead of the would-be dog nappers.
Keep Your Dog Indoors, Always
Dogs are highly social creatures. They only want to be with you, in the house. This is why dogs in a pen or tied to a tree bark continually. Indoor dogs are safe from wild animals, safer from parasites, and safest from dog nappers.
Remember, dog thieves are looking for the easiest way to succeed with a dog napping. If a potential hit looks too hard, they won't attempt it. With minimal effort, you can keep your dog safe from the dog nappers.
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