Swank Pets Dog Blog

Christmas time is approaching and many people have a little puppy on their wish list this year. Many toy breed dogs have been very popular lately and these dogs are in high demand. I’m referring to toy breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians. However, as many of you small dog owners know, these dogs aren’t cheap. Many Yorkies fetch prices anywhere from $1000 up to $5000. So its no wonder why these little dogs are being snatched up by dog thieves left and right. During the holiday season dog thieves can probably get top dollar for these little toy breed cuties. Bad news for us, good news for the bad guys. It’s a very scary thought that there are people out there deliberately hunting around to snatch up your little babies. For example, earlier this year, some of these dog nappers have even gone to the point of using firearms to hold up a family of Yorkie breeders in Los Angeles in order to steal about 10 of these little Yorkie puppies. Luckily, the thieves were caught on camera and they eventually returned the pups while they received jail time for their horrible crime. However, Humane Societies around the nation are reporting more and more stolen or “lost” toy breed dogs. They report that dog theft numbers are on the rise and the thieves are becoming more organized in their attempts to steal your dog. There are even dog theft rings in some parts of the country focusing on stealing dogs!

So what we need to do as concerned parents is to take some precautions in order to thwart these evil dog nappers. Its usually the situations that you overlook that thieves tend to strike. For example, you might think that your dog is safe in your car while you run into the bank for 5 minutes. However, that’s more than enough time for a dog thief to smash your window and steal your precious little baby. Some of these precautions may be somewhat of a hassle but these tips are all very helpful in keeping your dog away from dog thieves.

1. As I just mentioned, thieves are known to smash in car windows in order to steal your dog. You could be gone for just a couple of minutes, but dog thieves can steal your little toy breed dog in seconds. To avoid this, simply bring your dog with you wherever you go, even if you plan to be gone for only a few minutes. If the place does not allow dogs, I would simply leave your dog at home.

2. Many thieves are going Gung Ho and breaking into houses that they know have little toy dogs. This is a tough one because you can’t really predict this one happening. I suggest installing a home security system that alerts you and the police whenever there is a home break in. A lot of times, the loud alarm that goes off can scare a thief away.

3. I’ve heard of several cases where the dogs were let out to go to the bathroom only to never return. The thieves probably know which houses have high dollar dogs. Since all dogs need to potty at some point, the dog thieves simply wait for the dogs’ owners to let them out. Once they let the dogs out the dog thieves will simply go into the backyard and take the dogs. Remember, it only takes seconds for your dog to be stolen. Something so unassuming as letting your dog out for a quick bathroom break could lead to their dog napping. I suggest going outside with your dog until they finish their business so you have an eye on them the entire time. Or, get some exercise and take your little dog for a walk.

4. This next one is similar to the tip above. Many people let their toy dogs run around in the backyard to play. It seems innocent enough, but as I mentioned earlier, thieves are brazen enough to enter your backyard and steal your dog in broad daylight. Again, I recommend keeping adult supervision on your little babies at all times until play time is over.

5. Thieves have also been know to strike at dog parks. One would assume that anyone at a dog park is their to let their dogs play. I don’t think many people imagine that dog thieves lurk at dog parks, but I guarantee you that this has happened. Here’s the situation. You take your dog to the park and let them off the leash to romp around and play. You start chatting it up with you friend, and you soon forget about your dog. Next thing you know you’re looking around the 30 other dogs in the park but you can’t find yours. You’ve just become a victim of a dog thief. Again, always keep and eye on your dog! If you talk to others in the park, simply talk while you watch your dog at the same time. I know its multi-tasking but I know you all can do it!

Hopefully, these tips can help keep you dog safe from these evil scum that like to steal dogs. It requires you to be a little more aware of you surroundings, but it will be worth it. A lot of it is also common sense. Use your head and think if certain situations are safe for your dog. Think if a thief could steal your dog in that situation. If so, you better re-think your plan or keep a sharp eye on your dog!