Dog Security Tips


Continuing our mantra that Prevention Is Better Than Found, making small changes can make a huge difference to keeping your dog safe from thieves.  It’s not just while you’re out walking that thieves might strike, so thinking about security as a wider issue could make all the difference.

Please take some time to read the tips below, and think about how you can implement them to keep you and your dog safe.

MICROCHIP
One of the most important things is to ensure your dog's microchip details are up to date.  Update the database when your dog first comes home with you, and do it again whenever you have a change of address.

AT HOME

“Beware of the dog” or “Please close the gate” signs tell a would-be thief that a dog lives there. 

A “Guarded by a Bichon Frise” sign tells a thief exactly what kind of dog they’ll find at the address.  Sadly, some dogs are stolen to order. 

Could you install a gate alarm or driveway alarm?  Solar powered alarms require no additional wiring and seem to be reasonably priced.  These  notify you that someone or something has broken the invisible beam.

Gravel on driveways or paths gives that sweet crunch underfoot.  But it can deter thieves because they don't like the attention it draws. 

Could you install a video doorbell (such as Ring or Nest) or a CCTV camera outside your home?  Some types are battery powered and don't need wiring.

Subject to certain exceptions, the Control of Dogs Order 1992 makes it a legal requirement for any dog in a public place to wear a collar with a tag containing contact details for its owner.  

VEHICLES

When you drive your dog somewhere, always get your dog out of the car LAST.  Organise yourself, get your belongings, leads and poo bags together first.  Dog thieves will take advantage of you being distracted. 

Likewise, on returning to your vehicle, put the dog in FIRST.  If you need to change out of muddy wellies, etc, then do that once the dog is safely in the car. 

NEVER leave a dog in an unattended vehicle under any circumstances.  “I’ll only be a minute” has been the mantra of too many owners who have returned to their vehicle to find their dog missing.  You wouldn’t leave your phone in the car; don’t leave your dog either.  

Does your vehicle tell others that you carry a dog?  If you have a sticker of your dog breed (this is more common in the USA than in the UK) and your vehicle is parked outside your house, it could flag your home to a thief as a potential target.  If your car is parked near a park or beauty spot, thieves might take an interest in the vehicle and wait for you to return with your dog.

OUT AND ABOUT

Download HOWL (it's FREE!) and use it each time you go for a dog walk.  It will run in the background and won’t record your movements.  It will only begin to record when you activate it in the event of an incident.  

Never leave your dog alone outside a shop, no matter how nice the area is, and even if you live in a tiny village.  It doesn’t matter if you’ve been doing it without incident for years – it only takes a moment to steal an unattended dog. 

Remain vigilant, even on busy roads.  A busy road can mean a quick getaway for a dog thief. When walking on a pavement, keep your dog on the inside, furthest away from the kerb, to make it more difficult for an opportunist to snatch your dog. 

Walking towards oncoming traffic is not only for the countryside, but also when you’re walking on busy roads – avoid a thief being able to drive up behind you and take you by surprise. 

Ditch the headphones!  Some people use their dog walk as a chance to listen to music or catch up on podcasts, but a thief will be glad you can't hear them creeping up behind you.  Be present...and join your dog in enjoying the walk.

If your dog is off-lead ensure they are always in your sight; a dog who drops behind or runs too far ahead is an easy target for a dog thief. Ensure your dog has good recall.  Be a strong pack leader so your dog will always run towards you rather than away from you if he or she is spooked or frightened.   Never let your dog run up to a stranger; that person could be a thief who's ready to slip a lead around his neck and whisk him away.

If someone approaches you, or causes a distraction, grab your dog first.  Sadly, distraction thefts do happen, and it’s often after the event that victims reflect and realise that the events just didn’t seem right. 

Vary the routes and times of your walks; don’t be predictable. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Audit your social media profiles; ensure that your settings are private, and that only people you know can see details about you and your dog.  

Checking yourself in to “My big, comfy bed” can help a thief locate your home address. 

Don’t tag yourself into places with your dog on Facebook; don’t make it easy for dog thieves to learn your habits, or to know where a certain type of dog might be. 

If you want to share an experience, do so after you’ve returned home, not while you're there. 

Don’t be drawn into participating in things like the #MeetMyDogChallenge – it’s a dog thieves’ shopping list, particularly as the hashtag makes it public.  
Remember how it went? 
  • Post a photo: You think it’s harmless, but you’re helping the thief identify dogs of interest 
  • Dog’s name: Useful either to steal the dog, or when selling it on 
  • Nicknames: If the name doesn’t work, the dog might answer to one of these 
  • Age: Thieves probably won’t want an older dog, but a younger dog might be used for breeding 
  • Favourite treat: If a thief needs to tempt the dog away during a walk, or when trying to steal from the garden, the favourite treat could seal the deal
  • Favourite toy: Again, if the treat doesn’t work, then maybe a squeaky toy or a ball will 
  • Do I like car rides: This helps a would-be dog thief to assess how your dog is likely to behave in the car  
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