HOW EFFECTIVE ARE GUARD DOGS REALLY FOR HOME SECURITY?
If you’re considering some additional home security upgrades, you have several options. One of the most common home security measures is the installation of a new alarm system. Alarm systems are incredibly useful, but many people prefer to add a guard dog for the most comprehensive security plan.
If you’re not familiar with the concept of a guard dog, you probably have a lot of questions. What is a guard dog? Why get one? How does a guard dog compare to an alarm system? How effective are guard dogs really for home security? These are all great questions, and here, we’ll address them all so you can get a better idea of whether this guard dog is right for you.
So, without further ado, let’s get into this comparison! Read on to learn everything you need to know about guard dogs and how owning one compares to having an alarm system.
What is an alarm system?
An alarm system is usually made up of a control unit and an array of door and window sensors. Alarm systems are armed through the control unit. After the system is armed, it will alert you if any of these sensors trip.
In other words, when the alarm system is activated, it goes off when something crosses the boundaries of your home. This is one of the many great ways to increase the security of your home.
What is a guard dog?
To begin, we must get our definitions straight. A guard dog is a type of protection dog. Protection dogs are service animals trained to protect their owners and calmly assess potentially dangerous situations.
Some breeds naturally follow this and make fantastic guard dogs.
Some security dogs, such as watchdogs, are trained to alert their owner of an intruder. Guard dogs, on the other hand, are trained to detect intruders in the event of an attack and hold intruders until the police arrive on the scene.
Guard Dog vs. Alarm System
You must have already understood the biggest advantage of owning a guard dog. Unlike an alarm system, a guard dog won’t just alert you to an intruder. They can actually protect you from an intruder.
Additionally, guard dogs are often more effective than alarm systems when it comes to alerting you to an intruder. While an alarm system alerts you when an intruder enters your home, a guard dog will alert you well before the intruder enters.
Advantages of Alarm System
An alarm system is the best investment for home security. By using door and window sensors, an armed alarm system will alert you if something or someone crosses these boundaries.
When those sensors are triggered, the alarm system will emit a loud warning noise.
- Loud enough to alert you and your neighbors of the impending danger.
- Alerts you when an intruder enters your home.
- Generally, very reliable.
Benefits of a Guard Dog
While an alarm system can be very beneficial, you’ll find that guard dogs offer many of the same benefits and then some.
While an alarm system will alert you after an intruder enters your home, a guard dog will alert you before you enter. Additionally, a guard dog’s warning bark is loud enough to wake you up in the event of a break-in.
Most importantly, unlike an alarm system, a guard dog is trained to protect you. In the event of a home intruder, your guard dog will keep them at bay until the authorities arrive.
- Loud enough to alert you in case of a break-in.
- Before he manages to enter your home, he will likely warn you of them.
- Very reliable.
- If the situation demands it, they will attack the intruder.
- The best companions
Which is better for home security?
On paper, a guard dog is a better home security option. They can alert you to danger from a greater distance, and they can protect you from present danger. However, this will not always be the case. Guard dogs are not for everyone.
Guard dogs require a certain level of investment. After all, an effective guard dog needs to be well trained. If you are not investing in a professional trainer, you will spend your time training the dog yourself.
If you don’t have the time or money to train a guard dog, a home security alarm system is your best option. While they may not be as effective as a guard dog, alarm systems are still a great investment for home security. Having some safeguards is better than none.
Family protection: guard dogs and alarm systems
Both guard dogs and alarm systems are worthwhile home security investments. If both options are available to you, you may benefit most from a guard dog. Because these animals can physically protect you, they offer a level of security that an alarm system cannot.
Plus, a guard dog isn’t just a home security investment. It’s a brand-new member of your family! Guard dogs generally make excellent companions.
If a guard dog is not an option due to monetary or time constraints, an alarm system is a great alternative! Although they are not as effective as a guard dog, they will still significantly improve the security of your home and give you peace of mind.
Guard dogs – a bit of a mixed bag
Well, I know most of you reading this probably already love dogs, are biased, and will defend their effectiveness to your grave. So, I’m going to throw you a bone. I think dogs can be an effective deterrent to criminals. On the other hand, I’m going to tell you why they’re not foolproof.
Don’t be under any false illusions about its effectiveness as a home security solution (AKA guard dog) for your dog.
After all, their effectiveness can be a mixed bag. I picked it up within minutes of reading “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) posts from former thieves. In response to a question about how one can preserve one’s possessions, he replied,
Get a dog. Dogs do not return home. Dogs are loud, hard to see and bite. Doesn’t have to be an attack dog – just a barking dog. Instead of saving this trouble, the thieves would target the next house.
On the other hand, the next AMA with Thief said the exact opposite,
I am amazingly good with dogs and have never had a problem with them making noise. Professional guard dogs are a problem, and I’ve never had to deal with them. If I had to, I’d consider adding a little tranquilizer to a steak to throw over the fence. It would depend on the situation, I think.
And, he then elaborated further by saying,
I have only encountered a couple of barking dogs so far. I am good with animals and know how to approach them. I’ve only had one dog that didn’t calm down after a minute. In that case I just grabbed what I could in a minute and got out.
Or is it your dog? In summary, if you didn’t watch the video, all 5 dogs failed to stop the intruder and most either licked or played with the boy when he entered the house. In summary, the average dog makes a weak security system. They need to be trained specifically for this purpose and even then, depending on their training they can be restrained by some obvious techniques.
Are dogs good for home security? usually not.
First, let’s clear up some misconceptions.
Let’s look at the arguments you can think of to support the dog’s effectiveness.
My dog barks at everything, so it’s good as an alarm.
An alarm that goes off all the time (false alarms) is useless, because you’ll turn it off so it doesn’t drive you crazy. A dog that barks all the time is completely useless. It’s worse than an alarm system, because you can’t turn it off. And, it’s equally ineffective because you and your neighbors won’t pay any attention to it because it’s always barking.
My dog is very protective of us/our house, so he will defend our house.
If a stranger walks up to you on your lawn, how does your dog react? If she doesn’t bark and otherwise show no discomfort until you give her a hint that it’s okay, you have to wonder if she’ll be as docile as meeting a stranger in the house. Even if there is a naturally protective nature that you encourage and don’t train your dog to behave this way when she acts this way, are you sure that she is quiet and happy? Would rather attack the steak and chew it? Strangers in your house? It is most likely that your dog will need training, and can cost thousands of dollars. And, even trained guard dogs are prone to this distraction, which is most obvious in attacks.
We’ve put together a SlideShare presentation that summarizes the pitfalls of using dogs for home security.
Now for some good news
Dogs are definitely an obstacle.
- Just like some of your neighbors may not be comfortable with dogs or you may not trust dogs you don’t know. There will be some criminals who either don’t like or don’t like dogs or have an innate distrust of dogs. I couldn’t find any statistics on what percentage of the population that is, but at least you take a portion of criminals out of the equation.
- To get around an aggressive guard dog, a certain level of preparation is required. This may mean slipping tranquilizers in a piece of meat into the door or window and waiting 10 minutes before the dog goes to sleep. Or, it could mean some steaks wrapped in butcher paper in a bag. Either way, your dog can ward off a burglar who isn’t properly groomed.
- Good dogs bark at the right time. And, if you’re a home burglar, a sudden extra noise source to draw attention to you is the last thing you want. So, add one more time to the dog column.
And. bad news
Some of them, I have already covered. So, I will be brief.
- First, your dog needs to be effective as a guard dog. Most of the dogs I meet are very friendly with strangers, so the odds are against you here.
- Even a trained dog is not that difficult to shut down. When you go home, bring a large, tough piece of meat or a meat tranquilizer that you get from the doctor.
- Even if your dog barks and acts aggressively, without training it probably won’t be really aggressive and disrupt the burglar’s routine. After all, burglars usually only need a few minutes to make off with whatever cash, jewelry, and small electronics they can find in your home. Even if your dog barks and chases them or confronts them at the door, they may be able to keep him calm long enough to steal some valuables.
- Some people are great with pets. What dog is not friendly when a person treats it like a friend and gives it raw food.
- Dogs are expensive. According to the ASPCA, they cost $700 per year, plus another $600 for other one-time costs. For that kind of cost, you can afford a really great security system with advanced monitoring services, cellular backup, and multiple cameras.
I circled his house with binoculars and found the tiniest point in his fence. I jumped him. I knock on the window and sure enough, the dogs start barking. In my bag I had some dog tranquilizer (very easy to get) and some lunch meat, as I was expecting the dogs. I walk around his house a bit and see a power box. I start picking the lock, it opens, and I power the house. I open the front door, put down the intoxicating meat, yell at the dogs and push the fence again. I wait ten minutes and I look back and the dogs are outside. So, I walk through the houses and start loading.
Your dog can be a lovable family pet, great with children, gentle with grandma and when it comes to chewable shoes and furniture. But can it also serve as an effective home security measure?
Can your dog prevent housebreaking?
It depends, experts say. “Some dog breeds and sizes are better able to provide protection than others,” says Julie Burgess, a certified dog trainer (CPDT-KA). “For example, small breeds such as Chihuahuas, miniature pinschers, and miniature schnauzers will likely be unable to provide serious protection.”
Although even small dogs can make enough noise to scare away intruders. “Research shows that ‘occupancy indicators’ like dogs are a major deterrent to burglary attempts,” says Kay Campbell, a certified security professional. “In fact, research shows that dogs of any size are effective. Large dogs are a physical threat, and small dogs make noise.”
But what does the evidence really show? Let’s take a look.
Can a barking dog stop criminals?
If your dog’s only need is to bark to warn you when a stranger approaches the house, most dogs will fit the bill, as they will usually bark when someone is around. Ring the doorbell or wander around your house.
“I’ve heard multiple accounts of burglars who say that, all things being equal, they would always choose a home without a dog,” says Louis Wood, owner of a private security firm in San Antonio.
A barking dog, Wood says, can be enough to make a burglar decide to take his business elsewhere — to a home where there’s no potential harm, Wood says. “A good mindset for a homeowner is how can I make my home as inhospitable to burglars as possible,” he says.
But the data is not so decisive. In a study published in the journal Society and Animals, researchers at the University of Louisville found that “households with licensed dogs … had a 1.71 percentage point lower rate of property crime than households without licensed dogs.” were less” — an important difference, albeit a dramatic one.
The idea of barking dogs as a deterrent is popular, though, and even Amazon offers recordings of dogs barking on its Echo smart speaker as a safety measure.
But can your dog protect you?
Your family pet may think of you and your family as their “pack” and jump if you are attacked. But that doesn’t mean it will make an effective protection animal.
Smaller breeds such as chihuahuas, schnauzers and miniature pinschers are not large enough to harm a burglar, although they may bark to warn you. Lucky breeds like Labs and Golden Retrievers usually won’t help much either.
Dog breeds more suited to guard work include large breeds that have a reputation for being aggressive. But that solution has an inherent disadvantage, says Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications at the Insurance Information Institute. Dogs bred or trained to be aggressive can be dangerous.
In addition to the risk of serious injury to visitors or family members, insurance claims related to dog bites ($100 on Amazon) and other dog-related injuries cost homeowners $854 million, Friedlander says. “Some insurance companies will not ensure homeowners who own certain breeds of dogs that have been classified as dangerous. Others rely on the fact that an individual dog, regardless of breed, is considered vicious. gone.”
However, several states, including Illinois, Nevada and New York, have passed legislation prohibiting insurers from limiting coverage based on a dog’s breed. Friedlander says New York state law goes a step further. “It also prohibits insurers from charging extra premiums because a dog is considered aggressive.”
Best Guard Dog Types
Brandi Hunter Menden, vice president of PR and communications at the American Kennel Club, suggested that breeds are best suited for guard work. “Certain breeds have a natural instinct to protect their families as well as their homes,” she says. “These breeds are loyal to their owners, brave in the face of danger, intelligent and alert.”
Menden’s suggestions include the following:
- Boxer: This working breed is a guide dog by instinct. They are smart and intelligent but also need human companionship. They have a patient and protective nature and are at the same time an effective watchdog, difficult to intimidate and reliable in protecting homes.
- Bullmastiff: This working breed has a history of being a guard dog. They learn quickly and are fiercely protective. They are a watchful and reliable breed and have the courage and confidence of a guardian without the aggression of another breed.
- Ken Corso: This working breed can be extremely scary. Their appearance is imposing, but they are intelligent and fiercely loyal to their owners.
- Doberman Pinscher: The Doberman is the definition of a “purpose breed dog.” They are not easily frightened, and they stand as one of the top protection breeds — often used as military or police dogs. They are brave and exceptionally loyal.
- German Shepherd: The German Shepherd was bred to be a versatile and willing worker. They are considered one of the most focused and trainable breeds. This herding breed is naturally protective and makes excellent watchdogs. In addition, they are good-natured, pleasant housemates.
- Rottweiler: This working breed has been used as a police dog and is often a companion. They have strong protective and territorial instincts that make them excellent watchdogs. They are calm and extremely loyal.
Training is required.
Whichever breed you choose, Munden warns, if you want to use your dog as a security measure in your home, it will require careful training.
“It’s best to hire a professional trainer to teach your dog limits and boundaries,” she says. “This will allow them to do their job to protect the home as well as be a loving companion.”
“Look for dog trainers who offer safety training specifically,” says dog trainer Burgess. Properly training your dog will take time, effort and skill — and is best left to someone who has experience working with guard dogs.
Why are dogs great for protection purposes?
Today, there are many options when it comes to home, office and general security. The sheer number of advancements in technology within the security world can be overwhelming, but what about the more traditional options?
Dogs have long been, and will continue to be, a fail-safe option for security. They can be a very versatile choice of security alarm or alert, and can provide a number of health and well-being benefits to their owners.
Reaction
There is no denying the dog’s ability to react quickly which can be especially useful if they are working dogs in the security field, especially if you have chosen the right type of dog. While all dogs are known to react quickly by barking or barking to see who’s around, there are some breeds that are notorious for their protective qualities.
These types of dogs have the potential to be security alarms, but with the fur factor. A dog’s natural curiosity means that any strange, unusual noises or movements will be immediately sniffed out and barked at if necessary. The right breed can be incredibly reliable and intelligent enough to correctly assess situations.
Natural weapons
Even if it’s a case of a dog’s bark being worse than its bite, dogs still pose a threat of physical harm with their fearsome combination of snarls, strong jaws, and sharp claws. Criminals will not be able to differentiate between a guard dog that is ‘all talk’ and a guard dog that will bite or attack, so will naturally assume the latter.
There is no doubt that dogs act as an effective deterrent to criminals. Not only do these dogs look and feel quite intimidating, but trained security dogs are fit enough to run most people out. There is little point in trying to run away from a guard dog as this will increase their suspicions and perhaps their aggression, and they will run away faster.
loyal
They are not called man’s best friend for no reason. Dogs are incredibly loyal creatures, which is why they make great house pets as well as guard animals. With this loyalty, comes a protective quality – a combination rarely found in other animal species.
Dogs are excellent for personal protection and property protection, as well as detection thanks to their exceptional sense of smell. There is no doubt that they make excellent companions for pet owners and police guards.
intelligent
Dogs are incredibly intelligent animals. They have the ability to pick up on our voices and body language to translate a situation or emotion, and are even more capable when trained properly.
They put this skill to good use, and when things aren’t quite right, be it with a person or a situation. Dogs can detect danger, and breeds chosen as guard dogs aren’t afraid to do something about it.
Stimulus
Of course, there are perks for dog owners, too. Not only will the dog handler (whether for domestic or professional purposes) feel more confident and less vulnerable with them, but the dog’s motivated and active ways will also have a positive effect on them.
Owners will begin to act in the dog’s ways. Ability to read your dog’s actions as well as pick up on their energetic ways. All dogs – especially guard dogs – need to be fit and exercised regularly.
Stress reliever
Another definite plus point for any dog handler is the stress relief from just having a dog around. Just eating them can increase endorphins in your body, improve your mood and reduce your stress levels.
Not only is it the comfort of feeling safe with them on your lead, but dogs have been scientifically proven to help your health by lowering your blood pressure and lowering your cholesterol.
Are dogs enough to protect the home?
Here are some additional factors to consider:
Always home
Like most good dog owners, you probably take your dog with you on walks, runs, work or vacations. Without a home security system, these times provide the best opportunities for burglars. On the other hand, monitoring a home security system means your home is protected 24/7/365.
Inform the police
If the dog’s presence doesn’t scare off the burglar, the best you can hope for is that its barking will attract the attention of the neighbors. With a monitored security system, the police are automatically dispatched as soon as a burglar enters the home, so they can make an arrest and save your property.
Homeowners Insurance
Insurers know that homes with security systems are three times less likely to be targeted by burglars, so installing a monitored home security system can lower your homeowner’s insurance premiums by an average of 20%. That’s enough to offset the higher rates insurers often charge families with certain dog breeds.
Protecting against other threats
A good home security system does more than protect your home from intruders, it also protects against smoke, fire, carbon monoxide and more. These are hazards to people and pets alike.
Dogs enrich our lives in many ways, but relying on them to protect the home can be overwhelming. Give Rover a companion in protecting your home. Contact Crime Prevention Security Systems today to learn about our pet-friendly home security options.
Are Guard Dogs Good for Home Security?
Many people wonder, “Are dogs good for home security?” While it’s true that some burglars won’t break into homes with guard dogs 1 and many family guard dogs will bark at strangers, we recommend getting a guard dog just to act as your security and alarm system. Don’t recommend—especially if it’s all for you. Relying on
Here are five reasons why dogs fail to protect the home.
1. Dogs are not as reliable as a home security system.
Dogs sleep. They get distracted. They may also decide they like your home intruder and want to play fetch. The reality is that unless your dog has received highly specialized and expensive training to act as a home security dog, they cannot be trusted 100%. On the other hand, a home security system is always there and always on.
2. Dogs cannot alert authorities
Even the most highly trained guard dogs cannot call the police for you in the event of a break-in. Not only can alarm systems sound to warn intruders, but professional alarm monitors can also alert the proper authorities and get help to your home as quickly as possible.
3. You may harm your pet.
While some intruders will flee at the first bark, others will not be deterred by a home guard dog. Unfortunately, intruders sometimes resort to violence to silence dogs or to protect themselves from attack. If your dog is part of your family, you don’t want to put them at risk.
4. You may become insensitive to a dog that barks too often.
We all know someone whose dog barks at everything they say. It may even describe your dog! The problem is that constant barking can make you desensitized to the sound. This can become a “boy who cried wolf” scenario, where you get your dog so used to barking at harmless things that you either don’t notice when you bark at something harmful. or ignores the warning.
If you are going to set an alarm, it should be something reliable that will get the attention you deserve when the time comes.
5. Home security systems have featured that dogs don’t.
Modern home security systems do more than alert you to intruders. These include state-of-the-art fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water leak sensors. They provide you with cameras and ways to monitor those cameras no matter where you are. They can also alert you when you’re not home. While family protection dogs are certainly great companions, they are not as capable as a dedicated home security system.
Despite all of this, having a home security dog certainly won’t make your home any less secure. Just make sure you have a home security system to complement your guard dog with our picks for the best home security systems for pets.
So, what’s the score?
Of course, it is your decision. But if I look at it objectively, I’d get my money’s worth by beefing up my home security with an alarm system (check out this home security systems comparison) and other DIY home security tips. I can do a lot. Investing in the best home defense guns would also be a good idea to protect yourself and your loved ones. You can also add motion lights to enhance your security system at night. You can also choose from the best home security camera systems to monitor your home and get footage of the bad guys who want to break into your home.
The last word
All of our canine experts confirm that it’s not a good idea to use a dog as your only defense method. Sure, they can alert you and, if properly trained, protect you. But they can’t call 911, and they can’t be left unattended at home while you’re on vacation for two weeks.
A strong home security system is more effective than a dog in many ways. Install some smart locks and security cameras to keep your family — including your dog — safe by using the best and most efficient technology to protect your home and loved ones.
