Re: Dog thefts I wish the main thing to be worried about on our walks was wildlife! It seems less scary for some reason. Thank you for the statistics Julie, they made me feel better and the fact that most people are worried and taking precautions makes me feel better that I am not being over the top. I think facebook makes it all much worse, this morn the first thing I read was that some "gypsie" type people set upon a bloke in Poole and stole his dog, and then the same people went to nick another not realising there were 4 and they were aggressive so the blokes ran off. Argh. I am going to do what I think stacia said , and not let the dogs go to the door when there's a stranger there and also not tell strangers names or info about them. I am tempted to buy a protector spray like pepper spray to carry with me if I'm walking alone. Arghh I hate that I'm scared to walk my dogs!!
Re: Dog thefts I was discussing this yesterday at a training morning, as there was an attempt not far away from here and the opinion is to have a very good recall so that you can call the dog away. A pepper spray is a good idea, hadn't thought of that.
Re: Dog thefts If I see dodgy people I sometimes get my phone out and camera-ready, as well as changing direction.
Re: Dog thefts [quote author=Jane Martin link=topic=9432.msg136503#msg136503 date=1421060850] If I see dodgy people I sometimes get my phone out and camera-ready, as well as changing direction. [/quote] Good idea with the mobile..having it handy to take photos/video..especially if there looks to be a unfamiliar van hanging around...
Re: Dog thefts This thread got me really paranoid last week while I was staying in the UK, especially one afternoon when I was wandering around the lanes on my own with Poppy. A white van appeared out of a turning and sped towards me... I was prepared to jump the fence with Poppy and run away... but it just swooshed past me and drenched me with muddy puddle water.
Re: Dog thefts Sorry Karen. I am worried about freaking people out because I'm so scared myself and I'm conscious that I could be blowing things out of proportion. The phone idea is great, I will be using that.
Re: Dog thefts We love our dogs, so much, and the thought of someone taking them away, and us never finding out what became of them, is terrifying. I can't think of much that is worse, to be honest. But it's very unlikely to happen. I have now tracked down the data shown in the chart I posted earlier to MoreThan pet insurance (it's not a coincidence, by the way, that the statistics are publicised by insurers, lostpet websites and so on. It's sadly big business). There is a very small chance your dog will be stolen. Cut this small chance in half by not leaving your dog alone in a garden (52%), installing security in your home (19%), not tying your dog up outside a shop (7%) and not leaving your dog in a car (5%). There, that's a very small chance reduced by removing the circumstances of 83% of dog thefts. So you can move on to worrying about what will become of your Labrador if you die in a road accident, as that's probably more likely.
Re: Dog thefts Well, I think it's reassuring as it puts the risk in perspective. Most people get into their cars and drive off without feeling anxiety about the prospect of an accident, and yet it's more likely than having your dog stolen. So people should be similarly relaxed about their dog's safety, provided they do a few sensible things that will greatly reduce the risk
Re: Dog thefts I am not totally consumed by the thought that my dogs could be stolen, but I am cautious when out walking. I look out for strangers walking without dogs and strange vans parked up. I make sure that no one is following me out on a walk or home in the car. I think it is good to be cautious and have an extra eye open when out and about. I am fairly sure my dogs would be a hard target for anyone anyway, although I worry more about the spaniel because of her being able to be picked up. My lab would have to be dragged to a car by a stranger, even the most yummy treats would not tempt her away from me. I am also pretty sure both would make enough growly noises to put someone off as well!! Would serve them right if they bit them too! Taking reasonable precautions is all we can do to protect them, we can't keep them locked up all the time. Chloe
Re: Dog thefts No, I agree. Take reasonable precautions, but don't allow your walks to be ruined. I have to admit, I often think if we had burglars I could stand everything - as long as the dog was ok and not stolen.
Re: Dog thefts [quote author=Lisa link=topic=9432.msg136662#msg136662 date=1421114247] Ummm I think that falls under the category of "cold comfort", Julie [/quote] Oh. :-[ ;D. I did mean it as Rachael suggests - it isn't something to worry about too much!
Re: Dog thefts Ya, I got it. I was teasing...but I do hope a whole new worry hasn't sprung up in the minds of those who are prone to worries.... I still can't get over that people have had dogs stolen while they are out on a walk with them. Boggles the mind!
