Burglars deal with dogs by either being deterred by barking and the risk of a bite, or by neutralizing the threat through poisoning, avoidance, or sometimes even harming the dog to get in, often targeting valuable purebreds for resale or ransom, while some dogs might even be stolen for illicit activities like dogfighting. Dogs act as a deterrent through noise and presence, but thieves use tactics like tasers, poison, or targeting quiet dogs to overcome them, making containment or security essential.
An investigative report by KGW8 out of Oregon surveyed 86 burglars. The study concluded that if “a homeowner had a big, loud dog most burglars would stay away.” One of the convicted burglars even said, “dogs are a deal breaker for me… Big breeds, home protectors are the best to keep people out.”
Research shows that neighborhoods with higher concentrations of households with dogs show significantly lower crime rates: Robbery rates are two-thirds lower in areas with more dogs. Homicide rates are half as high in neighborhoods with a higher presence of dogs.
Stolen pets might be used as “bait dogs” to train fighting dogs. These breeds are commonly German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers and American Pit Bull Terriers. Some people sell stolen and lost animals for research and veterinary institutions that use dogs and cats for testing and biomedical experimentation.
It's not a matter of “if” but “when” they could be stolen or poisoned. Thieves have been reported climbing walls, poisoning, and even using tasers to capture pets from yards or in front of their homes. Keep your furry friends indoors or under close supervision at all times.
The leading cause of death in dogs, especially older dogs, is cancer (neoplasia), affecting about 1 in 4 dogs, similar to humans, with specific breeds at higher risk. Other significant causes include old age, heart disease, digestive disorders (like bloat), infectious diseases (like Parvo), and trauma, with sterilization influencing risks for cancer and infections.
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The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.
An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
Despite popular belief, many dogs won't protect you if you're attacked, and these can include breeds that are known to be naturally protective. In many cases, dogs that protect their owners are trained to do so and will respond to a command that tells them to act in a certain way.
The dog breed at highest risk of theft is French Bulldogs, with 51 taken last year — an increase of 38% on 2023. This is closely followed by English Bulldogs (37), Staffordshire Bull Terriers (31), and Chihuahuas (26).
In a 2015 review of 63 cases of dogs scavenging their owners, less than a day had passed before the partially eaten body was found in about a quarter of cases.
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The "heartbreak breed" typically refers to the Great Dane, nicknamed this due to their loving nature combined with a significantly shorter lifespan (around 7-10 years) and predisposition to serious heart issues like Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Other breeds, like the Bernese Mountain Dog, are also called "heartbreak" dogs because of high cancer risks, while some owners find giant breeds or those with specific conditions, like Cavaliers and Pugs (heart issues), or Irish Wolfhounds (DCM), heartbreaking due to their health and mortality, despite their sweet disposition.
Composite doors are known for their durability, strength, and resistance to forced entry, making them an excellent choice for preventing burglaries. At Endurance, we offer a wide range of composite doors that are designed with security in mind.
Fortunately for us, dogs do not understand they are being put to sleep. They may behave differently at this time generally because they feed off the emotions of their closest humans, who are understandably destraught. Plus they also getting all of this extra attention so they probably wonder what is going on!
🐶💛 Dogs can actually tell by scent alone. As your smell drifts away throughout the day, they learn its rhythm, how long it takes to fade and when it should return. By the time you're on your way, they're waiting by the door, sensing you even before you arrive.
Harvard psyhologists reveal that dogs dream of their humans
What you may not have realised however is, according to new research by Harvard psychologists, your dog is likely to be dreaming about you too – their human – the most important thing in their life.
The seven second rule. Put the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for seven seconds, it is too hot to walk for your dogs. This rule also applies to dogs riding in the bed of a pickup truck.
The time it takes for a dog to adjust to a new home can vary from one dog to another. Normally, it takes 2-3 weeks for a dog to adjust to a new home, but it can take up to 3 months for them to fully adjust behaviourally.
Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can't keep it there for five seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog. If you didn't know about this rule, chances are your friends don't, either.
Although the bedroom is the most expected room burglars go for, a kid's room is usually not considered, and therefore, never searched. Try to find clever spots within your kid's room and hide your valuables creatively.
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Either way, houses with entry points weakened by disrepair, residents who leave doors or windows unlocked routinely, or homes with weakened security (like broken alarms) are more likely to be successfully burgled.