What to do to prevent Dogo Argentino theft.
#1 Get your Dogo microchipped
Although it is not required in the US, it’s very useful to get your Dogo Argentino microchipped and register them online. We have all our pups microchipped with HomeAgain at 6 weeks old, but if you buy from another breeder make sure this is done or at least get it done yourself. If the thief has to take to a vet, the microchip will reveal the real owner, and it also helps in case your beauty is not stolen but lost.
#2 Use social media cleverly to find your Dogo
Apart from the police, social media could be a big help and most Dogo parents turn to it anyway. However, it’s very important to post a recent photo where your Dogo is easy to recognize. Set the visibility of the post to public and ask your connections to share it, not just comment it. Also join and post in Dogo groups, and your local social media apps like Nextdoor.
4 week old pup
#3 Keep your Dogo papers in a safe place
If the worst happens, and your Dogo is stolen, the police will not start the investigation until you can prove that you are the owner. Keep the adoption papers, vet bills and anything that can prove your ownership in a safe place.
#4 Consider using a pet tracker
A range of trackers is available using GPS, GSM or Bluetooth technologies to track your Dogo. It’s usually applied to their collar, and even if the thief can easily remove this, it at least gives you a chance to follow your puppy’s route up to a point which might make investigation easier. The Apple airtags are also a cheap and convenient way of tracking your pet.
#5 Don’t leave your Dogo unattended
We are always surprised when someone leaves their dog in the car or unattended in a public place. This should not happen for many reasons, one of which is the threat of theft. Thieves often check parking cars for unattended dogs left inside, while opportunist thieves pick them up if they are unattended.
#6 Doggie doors are convenient but not safe
It’s convenient to have a doggie door but use it only if it leads to a fenced garden or backyard and not to the street. At a young age it’s an easy win for opportunist thieves who spot a beautiful Dogo pup and reach over the wall or low fence to take him or her.
#7 Check references of people who come to the house
Targeted theft is often planned with the help of people who pose as offering dog-related services, like a dog-sitter or a dog groomer. If you use the services of such professionals, always make sure you check references, or even better, ask around in the neighborhood who they recommend.
DogoAF wishes this would never happen to anyone, so we asked our experts to list the main steps you can do to prevent this from happening to you and your Dogos. The article was written based on the experience of the La Tribe of Judah and their clients who kindly shared their tips with us in the La Tribe of Judah Family Closed Facebook Group.
