In the fight to protect our homes against burglars and other types of criminals, we look for ways to deter them. We want criminals to perceive a threat against their own well-being, a threat persistent enough that they don’t attempt to commit their crimes. That leads us to two popular ways of keeping criminals at bay: dogs and electronic home security.
Perhaps you have witnessed friend’s debating the two options. Dog lovers insist that canine companions are better at protecting homes than security systems. On the other side of the coin are those who are completely sold on electronic burglary protection. But does it have to be one or the other? Why not both?
Dogs as a Means of Protection
Dogs have been “man’s best friend” since they were first domesticated thousands of years ago. They provide us with a litany of services covering everything from companionship to hunting to helping people with disabilities. Dogs can even protect homes against unauthorized entry.
One of the arguments against relying on dogs for security is the fact that some seem overly friendly. Consider a recent Newsweek post telling the story of four happy-go-lucky golden retrievers who welcomed a stranger into their master’s house with wagging tails and typical canine requests for attention.
The good news is that the stranger was a contractor who had come to the home to repair some windows. The homeowner was both present and expecting him. But what if he had been a burglar? Would the dogs have reacted the same way? Therein lies the chief consideration in relying solely on dogs for security.
Dogs Can Be Quite Protective
No doubt some breeds of dogs do a better job of guarding homes than others. Golden retrievers, for example, are very friendly dogs not known for their aggressive behavior. But doberman pinchers and German shepherds are naturally more protective. They are among the best breeds for security work.
Here’s the important thing dog owners need to know: dogs of nearly every breed have a natural ability to sense danger. And in many cases, even the friendliest dogs will become protective and more aggressive if they believe their owners are in danger.
In the case of the Newsweek post, it could be that the four dogs reacted the way they did because they sensed no danger. The contractor was not tense or stressed. The homeowner was there and also not stressed. So in the absence of any perceived tension, the dogs were free to be as friendly as they normally are.
Burglars Really Don’t Like Dogs
The other thing to remember is that burglars really do not like dogs. At the very least, a dog can make a burglar’s job more difficult. A worst-case scenario would be a dog threatening a burglar’s safety.
Burglars would rather not encounter dogs for a number of reasons:
- Dogs are unpredictable
- They make noise that could alert neighbors
- A dog could be friendly one moment and aggressive the next
If a burglar peers through a window and sees a dog in the home, he has very good reason to move on to another target. Still, there are some burglars who might be willing to take a chance based on the breed and behavior of the dog. It really just depends on how an individual criminal views dogs.
Electronic Home Security for Protection
Electronic home security is another option for protecting one’s home. Proponents point out that home security technology has come a long way in the last 50 years. Today’s systems are smarter and more capable than ever, giving homeowners plenty of choices in terms of both equipment and services.
A typical starter system would be something like Vivint Home Security’s HomeProtect package. It offers a good selection of affordable, entry-level equipment professionally installed by a Vivint technician. Consumers can add remote monitoring to HomeProtect if they want it. There is no contract involved, either.
Ideally, a good starter system includes sensors for all first-floor windows and doors, along with at least one security camera and a central control panel. It would not be out of the ordinary to add an extra camera or two for more surveillance.
How Security Systems Protect
Those who would argue against electronic home security tend to cite the fact that a truly determined burglar will not be stopped by a door sensor and a camera. That may be true, but dogs will not stop a truly determined burglar either. The reality is that most burglars are not determined enough to overcome their own fears. And their biggest fear is being caught.
Electronic home security protects a home the same way dogs do – through deterrence. A burglar who knows that a home is protected by a monitored security system has to ask himself if his chances of getting caught are higher. And if they are, does he want to take that risk?
Whether a homeowner installs a DIY system or contacts Vivint for HomeProtect, they have a system that can be monitored 24/7 from anywhere in the world. That knowledge isn’t lost on a burglar who sees a home security placard in the window and notices a video camera pointing at him as he approaches the house.
The More Deterrence, The Better
For me personally, it is not a question of one or the other. I see home protection as a multi-layered proposition. The more deterrence I can put in place, the safer my home is against all sorts of property crimes. So I could see my way clear to having both dogs and installing the home security system. Having both represents a one-two punch that would definitely give a burglar something to think about.
Keeping dogs for security purposes has its pros and cons. Likewise for installing electronic home security. Here is the point: do whatever you have to do to deter criminals from making you a victim. If you can make them second-guess your home as a good target, you will win the day more often than not.
