Am I too paranoid about my pup?

Question

My Boxer is 16 weeks old and is the best dog ever. Sometimes I have to go run some quick errands and she will be out back playing, as she enjoys doing every morning after being in her crate inside all night. People keep telling me just to leave her out back while Ieave for awhile, but I start thinking the worst, like if she gets out somehow, if someone steals her, if she gets bit by something and so on. So, I end up either taking her with me or crating her. I feel as though I am as paranoid with her as I am with my kids.

Answer 1

I am the same way! I have had 5 of them stolen, so I am paranoid, too..Thankfully, it is never hot nor cold here, so I can take them most places..The local newspaper even did a story on me (with pics) about the little car full of big dogs!

Answer 2

There is a big difference between being cautious and safe, and being paranoid. Let's help you to be cautious and safe.

It is unusual for people to steal a dog from a yard, but it does occasionally happen. Check with your local law enforcement and animal control departments to see if this has happened in your area.

You say you're worried about her getting out. To relieve your mind on this one, spend some time checking your yard and fence. Make sure she can't climb or jump out (move all stuff away from the fence, make sure the fence is high enough, etc.). Check the bottom of the fence to make sure she can't dig out. Then, padlock the gates so that no one accidentally lets her out that way.

Or, for even more security, create a dog run on the side yard by padlocking the front gate, and putting in a back gate. You can usually get a used gate for almost nothing, and a few friends can help you install it. If you're really concerned about escape, or live in a hot climate, cover the top of the run with plastic or wooden lattice panels for shade and security.

Make sure that your dog has both water and shelter in her yard or run. In most areas, the law requires this.

Make sure that she is not wearing a choke chain -- she could hang herself on this type of collar.

Microchipping is the very best form of permanent identification, and is always a good idea.

I hope these suggestions help you to be more comfortable about your beloved boxer.

Answer 3

I dont think its paranoid at all! I have a 13 month old german shepherd, and recently moved into a house with a fenced in yard. Though he is nearly 90 lbs I still worry about somebody puppynabbing him. I lock the fence so nobody can get in, and I put up a small security camera just to ease my paranoia.
(I love my dog)
I repaced the old fence with a 6' chainlink fence buried 6" to prevent escape.
I still have to go outside and check on him pretty regularly

Answer 4

You are right to worry about your dog. There are so many crappy people in this world who might purposely harm or steal your dog, or your playful curious puppy might get into something she isn't supposed to when you can't watch her. It is best to crate her when you are gone or take her with you so you can keep her out of trouble and safe. Don't worry! You aren't paranoid, just a good pet owner!

Answer 5

Possibly. Do you have a tall fence? If you can lock your fence, he should be OK for a bit like short errands. I am the same way though, I don't like leaving my pup home alone even in his crate.

Answer 6

You almost sound....guilty.
You have every reason to watch out for your pup. He is like one of your babies now. Therefore your looking out for him as if he was one of your babies. There is nothing wrong with that.
I have a tiny little Yorkie that only weights 1.5 pounds. People have told me that she will be fine if I leave her on a leash in my back yard while I am busy in the yard but I keep thinking how it would only take a hawk a few seconds to grab her and be up, up and away. I don't leave her alone at all. If I am too busy to keep a close eye on her then I put her inside.
Pat yourself on the back for taking such good care of one of your loved ones and tell everyone you will handle it your way!
Good luck to you and your little loved one. He's lucky to have you!

Answer 7

This depends.
1)How high is your fence? better to be 6ft.
2)Is there gaps in your fence or is it overlapping?
better to be over lapped so no one can see in
I have concerate slabs that go 3 foot below my fence as mine digs so that way he has to dig a lot to be able to get out.
My whole garden is enclosed, no one can see in & the dogs cannot see out. I also have a padlock on my premises so if anyone did try to get out they cannot scale a fence with a dog.
I also have a large shed so if it rains they have shelter till I get back (only usually out 1 11/2 hours max with a bench in there so are not lying on cold floor.

Hope this helps

Answer 8

give her a big meaty bone and let her chew it outside all day!!!!! I have 2 puppies now but back then, my older one when she was not even 5 months, was out all day playing. she couldnt be happier. just make sure that theres no way for the boxer to get out. check the fence properly. get over it. shes happier outside thats for sure!

Answer 9

Well, that makes 2 of us. Even when we had Buck a 115 lb Rottweiler, we never left him for fear of him getting stolen or dognapped.

Too many people looking for bait dogs around here, and my dog will not bee shredded because I am too careless.

Answer 10

You're not being to paranoid, you're being a good dog mom.

Don't feel bad about not wanting to leave your puppy outside when no one is home. She is your dog, she relies on you to keep her safe, and you are definately doing that.

Kudos.