I’ve seen the rise in dog thefts and all that sort of stuff and somebody approached me and asked what sort of things that they could do to protect themselves while out walking their dog. As I have two Jack Russell’s which I absolutely adore I decided to put this post together just so to give you a bit of background but obviously if you want to learn more then please come along to my classes I’m also doing a personal safety webinar at the beginning of April details will be in the bottom of this blog.
So firstly we’ll talk about the crime triangle or just so you’ve got an idea of what may be happening in this instance you’ve got risk so that comes from an aggressor, the opportunity to steal your dog which they can sell on for thousands of pounds obviously the rising puppies meant that dogs are worth a lot of money, I’ve seen silly prices for all different types, and all different breeds of puppies and lastly we’ll discuss what an easy target is. As we walk through so essentially when you’re out walking the dog don’t walk on your own, walk in areas where there will be other people so that you’re not isolated. That’s quite obvious but it is nice to get away from people and walk in the countryside but we can’t go too far because of the lockdown. Walk your dog in areas where there’ll be other people so you’re not on your own other dog owners will keep an eye out for your dog it’s just one of those things that happens. When out walking be aware of your surroundings and that’s quite an obvious one sometimes it is nice to listen to a podcast or maybe an audiobook whilst you’re out enjoying the countryside I would suggest if you can’t do it without that then maybe do it with just one earbud in or perhaps think about turning the volume down so you can still hear quite clearly but do keep an eye on things it’s best not to be on your mobile phone. Plan your route let someone know where you’re going when you should return this is quite an obvious personal safety issue. This could be anyone from your partner it could be your older children. Let Mum and Dad know where you’re going and how long you’re going to be just in case you fall over, I’m hoping you don’t but if you fall over either break or twist an ankle people don’t know where you are or your battery dies it can be a bit difficult for them to start looking for you. Try not use the same route every day. Criminals watch for routines this is something else I would teach you. Generally if you are worried that you’re being stalked. Then I would change your route every day If you’re walking by a road always walk towards the oncoming traffic so that a curb crawler can’t pull up beside you. This to try and stop someone from grabbing your dog off the pavement.
Avoid distractions if you’re chatting on your phone or listening to music you will definitely not focus on the world around you. So pay attention follow your instincts if something doesn’t seem right you’re probably right if there’s doubt there is no doubt then yeah walk away train and change it up or even if you’re really uncomfortable go back to your car this is some of the best things that you can do leave the area, especially if situation raising hairs on the back of your neck and listen to your dog. They’re very smart and they are growling for a reason and this is true, my my older Jack Russell if she’s not happy about something she will let me know and I take it as a cue to move away. It helps to keep control of your dog not everyone loves dogs and sometimes your dog may scare people especially kids. This is true Jack Russell’s as they are quite bouncy there is obviously other breeds that can be quite bouncy as well. Sometimes it’s good to check your dog’s recall practice in the garden first if you’ve got a secure garden, a bit of practice make sure their recall is good so you can call them straight back to you if you need to. Again, what I said earlier so if you if you do feel that somebody is trying to steal your dog shout make as much noise as you possibly can, scream at the top of your lungs if you have to men or women just lots and lots of noise don’t shout help I’ve always said, and I always teach my students to shout FIRE as loud as you possibly can scream it if you really want to so you’ve always got that you’ve always got that defense, because it draws attention to you criminals don’t like witnesses so the more people that are looking at you the more people are looking at them the less likely they are to try and take your your beloved dog or dogs
If your attacker has already got hold of you it’s not too late. It’s time for you to rise to the occasion to get physical use your elbows, knees, heels, head all your body’s natural weapons. Use them even if you’ve had no formal defense training if you knee a gentleman in the groin it hurts, it hurts a lot. Do it ladies! if you’re wearing anything with a heel stamp on the toes especially if they grab you from behind the first few seconds are the most vital. Fight with all the strength at your disposal hit hard hit fast bite scream claw. The law is on your side anybody who thinks that you can’t defend yourself when in an altercation like that. The law is on your side check out my previous video when I talk about self-defense law.
With all of that if you eliminate the aggressor or remove the opportunity. You can turn yourself into a hardened target which means it’s more difficult for them to try and steal your beloved dog or even if it’s to attack you. So if you remove at least one of those out of the triangle it makes it a lot more difficult and makes it less likely that you will attacked or robbed. So when you’re walking the dog be a bit more aware of your surroundings. If you have to listen to music I would advise you to keep it turned down. Do it with one earbud or just one headphone in. Just so you can keep an eye on what’s going on and sometimes it is quite nice to take in the countryside. Above all enjoy walking your dog. If you want to learn some self-defense skills come and attend one of my classes. It will be good to see you!
