Quick answer
What to do
Build around the pets you want to keep, check for exposed approaches, and stay close enough to react before beginning a long raid.
1. Protect first
Treat home defense as the first raid requirement. A successful steal is not progress if another player takes your better pet.
2. Check the approach
Look at how another player could reach exposed pets and close the most obvious route using the options shown in your server.
3. Recheck after each raid
Return home, confirm your pets and open space, then decide whether another attempt is worth the risk.