Problem!

[RubyB]

I'm so worried you see my friends dog was stolen and I don't know how to make sure my new pup won't be !

[KYS]

I am so sorry to hear about your friends dog.
That has always scared me too.

Our little terrier is kept in the house when we are gone.

When our dogs were pups, I kept them in the house,
and when they got a bit bigger, were either
kept in the house or locked in the dog run
where it is private and secure.
(back gates also always locked)

I also make sure I had a current picture of my dogs around
and id on them. I believe in micro-chipping/ or tattoo.

Even today I always keep gates locked,
just to be safe.

People who steel someone's pet from their yard
are cruel and unfeeling.

[aly]

Keep your puppy inside and your doors locked. Puppies can't stay outside alone, there's too much trouble they could get into. I highly recommend crate training. This will help quickly housebreak your puppy and will be a safe place to leave the pup when you're not home.

[Dakota's Mommy]

I also suggest the inside idea and crate train them if they can't be trusted in the house alone (Destiny had to be crate trained because she was getting into too much trouble and now Sierra is the one in the crate and Destiny's okay out due to her being a little older and knowing the rules better)! So many people have goofed around about steeling our girls but that brings me to think that outsiders might actually consider it. We've never had any real problems but our girls are kept inside and when they go out to play, I try to keep checking on them to make sure that they are not getting into any trouble and to make sure they're still with me (not much time passes between checks either, those are my babies)!

[primabella]

how sad and very scary

the breeder warned us how shelties aren't common around here so people might see one and think "oo a nice small collie" and try to steal them. she's had customers who have called and said their pup was stolen right out of their yard. how cruel

[RockyRoad]

RubyB, I am sorry to hear about your friend's dog.
That is so cruel how people steal other peoples' pride and joys, when there are so many dogs out there without homes in shelters.

[RubyB]

has anyone tried an electric collar or I mean an electric fence

[RockyRoad]

I personally disagree against the use of them. I stuck my finger in one, had the dog bark loud enough, and yeeooww! They hurt. It **could be** less pain for the dog, because their skin **can be** thicker than ours, but it still hurts them. I don't see why anyone would punish their dog for speaking its language (With the acception of apartment buildings and places where a dog barking can disturb other residents, but there are still other alternatives)

As for electric fences, I do not like them either. It still hurts the dog for following its instincts; chasing chipmunks, rabbits, cats, cars, people, etc. Even though it keeps the dog in the yard, if you do have a dog, I'm sure hoping you have a fence (not an electrical one). I am aware that the dog eventually gets used to it (and the collar as well), but it kind of reminds me of lab rats; getting shocked when they go the wrong way in a maze.

Pardon my soapbox...

[lovemyshiba]

I do not like electrical collars/fences. My parents had a golden a while back, and after trying everything else with him, my dad installed an electrical fence--he didn't care--he took the pain for a second, and ran off anyway. We are buying a new house, and will be putting up a secure fence, and the dogs are left inside when we are not home. Crates are best for puppies, but when they learn the rules, sometimes they can have run of the house when no one is home.
I would also make sure you microchip or tatoo your dog, as well as have a license for him or her, and have pictures around all the time.
I'm sorry for your friend's dog--that is so sad.

[Byakko's Mom]

I too have the dogs microchipped and tags and a 6 ft fence-wooden-I always walk on a leash anywhere else, plus I watch them when they are outside.I may be paranoid but I am afraid of losing them.I am so sorry for you friends loss.I use crates for my puppies too and when they are older if they like them.

[wolfsoul]

I don't think that the electric fences that are made for dogs are bad...they don't bother me at all, just a small shock....but the ones for horses I hate!! One time, I put my hand on one, thinking that it was going to be like a dog one, and the shcok was sooo strong it blasted up my arm and I litterally flew backwards! I stood there shaking...It hurt so bad...
Leather had an electric collar so she wouldn't jump the fence when she was in heat, and it worked great it was only a small shock, we know cuz my dad put in on himself he's like that...when leather had to have this oitment put on her leg (it was hurt) and the vet told him it tasted really bad so she wouldnt lick it, he took a huge swab of it and put it in his mouth needless to say, it tasted bad...

[wolfsoul]

I just found some news about electric fencing (i wasn't even looking, two thumbs up for me! ) here it is:

Radio-fences for dogs Canada Some dogs are just too crafty to be penned in by a radio-fence. I know of two beagles who patiently chewed each other's collar off and then went on the lam, leaving their tattered prison duds behind. Another dog figured out how to beat the radio-fence, by running as fast as he could until he was out of its range and influence. In theory, radio-fences sound good; however, just don't expect them to work if your dogs are escape geniuses. [Canada.com] Related: Radio Fences

That's pretty funny! Dogs are sure smart!

[RockyRoad]

Lady is an escape genius. She knows how to get out of the gate (since the lock is so low), so we added an additional lock wayyy up high. So far it has been sucessful, but you never know what could happen.

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by FloppsyLadySally89

Lady is an escape genius. She knows how to get out of the gate (since the lock is so low), so we added an additional lock wayyy up high. So far it has been sucessful, but you never know what could happen.

leather is an escape genious too! (well genious in general ) Her nickname is Houdini and we often curse ourselves for not naming her that
Ahhh german shepherds, eh? lol

[oodlesofpoodles]

And although an electric fence is designed to keep your dog in, it does however NOT KEEP OTHERS OUT.

the vet I work for got onel. One day he sent 2 of the kennel helpers to his house to pick his dogs up to bring to the clinic. He forgot one thing. He did not tell the kennel staff about it and they drove through the fence area with the collars on. When they got back to the clinic they told him how the dogs barked and whined when they left his house. and where all over the truck acting wild. He went back to look at the dogs and noticed the collars. ouch for the dogs.