These days, protecting your home and living in a safe environment are important concerns for most people. You can find a wide variety of home alarm systems on the market, but choosing the right one to invest in can be a complicated decision. While having a home alarm system can significantly enhance your home’s security, they can also be quite costly to purchase and maintain with continuous monitoring. For some people, getting a dog to guard their home could be an excellent alternative.
Dogs have been used for protecting property for hundreds of years, primarily because they are so effective at this job. From a thief’s perspective, encountering a dog when breaking into a home is the last thing they want to face. A trained guard dog can cause serious injury to a burglar, as these dogs will do whatever it takes to protect their owner’s property. Most often, just the sound of a dog barking from inside a home will be enough to deter a burglar from continuing their attempt.
Getting a dog is generally cheaper than installing a home alarm system; however, many people opt for a dog for more personal reasons. Dogs can become an affectionate new member of the family who also happens to protect the family and the home. If you decide to get a dog, remember that it comes with additional responsibilities, such as ensuring food and fresh water are available at all times. While this may sound trivial, it can be challenging with today’s busy lifestyles. You will also need to let the dog outside during the day for bathroom breaks. If you don’t have a fenced-in yard, you may need to keep the dog tied up.
Not All Dogs Are Guard Dogs
One of the first things to consider before getting a dog is whether you want a true guard dog or just a watchdog. Most dogs are naturally inclined to be watchdogs, as they will bark and become suspicious whenever something disturbs them. However, some dogs may approach strangers in the hope of getting food or treats. Certain breeds are more alert and make better watchdogs than others. Additionally, almost any large dog can have an intimidation factor that may make strangers a little nervous.
When it comes to a real guard dog, remember these are not your typical household watchdogs. A guard dog is specially trained—and often bred—for the sole purpose of guarding and defending someone’s home. While a watchdog may bark and cause a lot of noise, a potential burglar may not be deterred beyond that. A guard dog, however, will not stop at barking. If someone breaks into your home, the guard dog’s response is just beginning. Guard dogs must undergo specialized training for their role. While some people can train their own dogs, it’s usually better to enroll in training classes or seek a private instructor if the dog has not been trained as a guard dog.
Most dogs judge people and their intentions by their scent. It is well known that fear in humans produces a strong scent that dogs can detect. This can create a problem if you have a welcome visitor who happens to be afraid of dogs, as they will emit this fear scent. The dog may then display aggressive behavior, which in turn can make the person even more scared. On the other hand, a burglar who is a dog lover and not afraid of dogs might not be deterred. Without specific training, a dog may not provide the exact protection you need to safeguard your home.
If you plan to go away on vacation, it may be necessary to board your dog, especially if you’re gone for more than a few days. Whenever your dog is not home, your house and belongings are unprotected. Many break-ins happen while the occupants are away on vacation. While an alarm system can protect your home 24/7, a dog may leave security gaps when you’re not home.
An alarm system, however, is low-maintenance and works whether you’re home or away. Although alarms generally cost more than a dog, remember that owning a dog also involves upkeep, including shots, licensing, and medical bills. As dogs age, their ability to protect your home may diminish.
If you’re deciding between a home alarm system and a dog, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of each. As a purely technical solution, an alarm system is better as it will consistently work day or night. However, if someone were to break into your home while you were there, nothing would be better than having a large, aggressive dog to scare them away. Having a dog in your home is a big responsibility, but the dog can also serve as a loyal and loving companion—something an alarm system can never provide.
