| One of the most terrifying aspects of pet | | | | leave your dog unattended in the car while you |
| ownership is the disappearance of your dog. For | | | | run into a store; a minute is all it takes for a thief |
| most dog owners their pets are members of the | | | | to break-in your car and steal your dog. |
| family, loved and cherished every day. Some | | | | Make sure your dogs’ tags and license is |
| dogs are simply lost because they got out of the | | | | attached to his/her dog collar and their current. If |
| yard or ran off to explore not finding their way | | | | your dog should get loose from the yard and |
| home. Devastatingly, others are stolen, especially | | | | become lost a Good Samaritan, can take them in |
| a purebred dog. | | | | and call you. Ensure the dog collar fits well - too |
| There is a black market for purebred dogs for | | | | loose and it could slip off. |
| sale and thieves often steal these dogs only to | | | | Microchips are a wonderful way to prevent theft |
| resell them to someone else. There are measures | | | | as well as recovering a lost dog. These are about |
| dog owners can take to prevent their dog from | | | | the size of a grain of rice and are embedded |
| falling victim to theft. Below is a list of the ten | | | | under the skin. There is a service that you must |
| breeds thieves look for: | | | | subscribe to and keep current when using these |
| Breeds Most Likely to be Stolen: | | | | microchips. There are also GPS dog collars |
| - Pit Bull Terrier - American | | | | available that come with a hand held locator for |
| - Labrador Retriever | | | | the owner. Both are well worth the price if your |
| - Chihuahua | | | | dog is on the list above. |
| - Yorkshire Terrier | | | | When traveling, plan ahead. If you are taking your |
| - Pomeranian | | | | dog with you on your next trip, make sure you |
| - Shih Tzu | | | | have a dog harness that doubles as a dog seat |
| - Boxer | | | | belt. This will prevent your dog from jumping out |
| - Bulldog - English | | | | of the car when reach your destination or stop at |
| - German Shepherd | | | | a rest area. Always keep your dog on a leash and |
| - Siberian Husky | | | | if your visit an off-leash dog park keep a steady |
| | | | | eye on where your dog is at all times. |
| The best prevention is first, be a responsible dog | | | | The single most important part of protecting your |
| owner. Of the many tasks dog owners must do, | | | | dog is obedience training. A solid understanding of |
| the most important is protecting your dog. | | | | the basic commands of “sit,” |
| Always know where your dog is at all times; are | | | | “stay,” and “come” will keep your |
| they playing in the yard – then where in the | | | | dog safe and secure while giving you the |
| yard, where are they in the house – in their | | | | confidence knowing only you can command your |
| crate or curled up in the corner. | | | | dog. |
| Ensure your fenced in yard is secure and your | | | | Lastly, if despite your best efforts your dog |
| dog has not started digging a hole somewhere he | | | | becomes lost or if you suspect stolen, act quickly |
| she could climb under. Never let your dog run | | | | and rationally; contact the local authorities, animal |
| off-leash in a non-fenced in area. Beware when | | | | shelters, and animal hospitals. Post signs along your |
| opening your door; small dogs can be sneaky just | | | | dogs walking path everywhere you can and talk |
| waiting for the opportunity to run outside. Do not | | | | to neighbors. Above all, do not lose hope. |