A Dog Anti Theft Device You Should Know About
I have to admit I get scared when I see a dog left tied up outside, unattended. I know we’re really busy and, sometimes, it seems like there’s no choice. You can’t bring the dog in; they’re too big, the store doesn’t allow dogs, you just have to grab a coffee or a container of milk. Two million dogs were stolen in 2012, almost 10 times more than bicycles! We have to live our lives and that includes spending quality time with out dogs. That’s why I’m happy to report that I recently came across a brand new dog anti theft device I think you should know about. With a product like this, you and your pup can go about your errands with a little more peace of mind, and who doesn’t love that!
The product I’m referring to is called Safespot and its slogan is, “You lock your bike, why not your beagle?” Well, that’s true and, given the statistics, it doesn’t make any sense why anyone wouldn’t secure their dog.
Here’s what I like about this product:
* it’s an all-in-one collar and leash that has a simple, yet potentially very effective locking system. The way it works is you literally lock the collar around your dog’s neck with a key, and lock the handle of the leash around whatever object with the same key. Both ends are easily adjustable via a button and the leash will secure to almost any stationary object.
* the leash is steel cable reinforced so, unless a potential thief is trolling around with a strong wire cutter, it does act as a good deterrent.
* you can use the all-in-one as a regular collar and leash, unlocked.
Here’s a demonstration video of how it works:
[youtube id=”WksDZBgNyL0″ width=”620″ height=”360″]
The one thing I don’t like about this product is that it’s heavy, so it isn’t appropriate for smaller dogs, under 15 lbs. I talked to Pawz, the company that developed Safespot and also makes the colorful, rubber dog boots you see everywhere, about any plans to make a lighter version and they seem open to it, if the market demand is there. Considering how many small dogs I see tied up around Manhattan, I think it won’t be long before we’ll have that option. If you have a small dog and want to try Safespot, I suggest contacting the company and telling them you’d be interested in a smaller and lighter version.
If you’ve had any experience with this product, I’d love to hear from you. And, if you have any questions or comments, please let me know.
Be aware and share this post! 🙂
Until next time…
I’m not so sure lots of dogs are stolen, but the cost is so great that it does skew the risk. Even if you have an expensive and awesome bike it can just be replaced, but an pet? The emotional cost is frightening.
But recently I have had 2 people try and tell me on the street that dogs are stolen. They identified being taken for use as bait dogs, and both people blamed an abstract “they” as the thieves. The first person indirectly said “they are coming over here taking our dogs”, as she attributed thefts to foreigners. The second was a bit more classist, indicating that this part of town was dangerous (it was the cheap end of town – but even so). He was law enforcement (a “PCSO”, less respected than traffic wardens). I did push for solid information, like if reports regularly come into the station, but no.
Anecdotally I have heard dog fighter trainers use cats for bait. Gross still, but if true does chip away at the risk of your dog being taken as bait.
I regularly tie my dog up, and she is a very attractive dog. A cocker spaniel, but she has been speyed and if someone was on the rob for breeding they would likely know she is too old and too sexually immature to breed. Professionals, black or white market, end up knowing a lot.
I encourage dogs to be tied up. This product seems interesting, though I think a chain and padlocks would work. Though might be a flag that the dog is worth bucks. A chain sheathed in leather or cloth could look OK though.
This comment is a normal side-track from a Google, I want a thing (I might make it myself if I can find the right info) which will send a signal to me if my dog’s lead is undone. Not using a mobile phone network, just a radio would be OK. If I am in a shop and the alarm on me goes off because the lead has been undone, I can run out and see what is going on. I assume that any gadget on a dog would be removed if stolen, and so tracking gadgets are not what I am after.
Anon, thank you for commenting. I’m not sure why, if you love your dog, you would take the risk and spend the time you have thinking about the risk profile or probability. It just not worth losing your dog. That those who steal them often sell them to be used in laboratories, as bait dogs, etc isn’t up for discussion. It’s a known fact, documented in plenty of articles in plenty of cities around the country, where law enforcement has raided dog fighting rings to find dogs that were clearly someone’s pets. I pray your dog – a Cocker Spaniel is a sweet trusting breed – never has to experience the horrors those stolen from their owners do, because it was more convenient to tie her up than take her home.
I have a small bichon X and hate leaving her when i go out but am too worried to leave her tied up on the pole outside the shops….your best advice please
Thanks, Renn
Hi Renn! Thanks for sharing this. I know what you mean regarding leaving them. I feel awful when I leave Sophie. Is your baby ok when you leave or does she have separation anxiety? That’s an important question, because I would suggest a natural calming spray or drops if she has separation anxiety, but if she’s ok when you leave, then I would suggest being as calm and perfunctory as you can, when you are going out. They sense everything, and if you’re anxious, she will be, too. It was recommended to me by a trainer to come up with a phrase to tell Sophie when we are leaving, and say it every time. We use “Be right back, Sophie!” and then we’re out. That’s it. No prolonging things because it just makes her anxious, and she’s an anxious baby to begin with. So let me know. I’ve learned of a few natural products for separation anxiety, as well as have some other suggestions. Look forward to hearing back, Renn, and hope this was helpful.
And Renn, I absolutely agree with you regarding not leaving her tied up. I just would never recommend it. Too many dogs are stolen, and the little ones are even more vulnerable than the big ones.