Craig Anthony Morgan, aged 35 and of Melbury Avenue, Poole, stole the canine which belonged to Andrew Michael Smith from Dolphin Quays on April 23.
Morgan appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Friday, August 6, where he indicated a plea of guilty to a single charge of theft.
The court heard the dog, a German Shepherd puppy called Bear, was valued at £1,800.
Deputy District Judge Roderick Hine committed Morgan to Bournemouth Crown Court for sentencing.
The defendant was remanded on conditional bail ahead of a hearing on September 3.
Following a police appeal, Bear was reunited with his owners. The force reported that Bear was on a lead outside Tesco Express when it was alleged that a man bent down and unclipped his lead before running off with him.
A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “Following enquiries, Bear has been located at an address in Poole and reunited with his owners. We would like to thank the members of the public who came forward with information following the original appeal.”
