Dogs have been called man’s best friend for years. They offer companionship, pleasure, loyalty, and much more. However, is a dog better or more reliable than a home security system? After all, for many, the idea of a home security may seem to be too much trouble or perhaps too great an expense while a dog can offer protection and friendship. For some homeowners, there is no question, but what do the professionals say?
Using a Dog in Place of Home Security System
Many people, especially those who are animal-lovers, are in favor of this approach to home security. After all, dogs can provide so much more than home security and personal protection. And, according to professional dog handlers using one’s canine companion for protection is a good way to protect oneself, providing that the dog has been well-trained with this job in mind. The key is that the dog is trained to protect one’s home and family.
Another plus in having a dog for home security is that an alarm system has to be set to actually go off. Guard dogs know to bark at the sign of an invasion or something in the yard that is out of place. This is especially helpful in the case of an intruder. During the pandemonium that can ensue during a robbery, home owners can call 9-1-1.
Many people prefer dogs to a home security system because a dog will continue to bark until they feel or are told to quit. Also, their barking often sets other dogs in the neighborhood to barking as well making it virtually impossible for an intruder to make a quiet getaway. In addition, when Fido starts barking, burglars do not know whether the barking dog is friendly or formidable.
Home Security Instead of a Dog
While dogs can prevent a certain amount of crime, one should never rely on a dog for home security. After all, dogs can be subdued with force, food poisoning, firearms or even befriended while the homeowners is at work so when the break-in occurs the dog does not see the person as a foe.
In large cities,such as Atlanta, Houston or San Diego, home security systems are often easier to maintain as many homes may not have the room for a dog large enough to be an effective “home security” asset. Also, a guard dog is unable to call 9-1-1 for emergency help and can be scared just as a human could, making them helpless.
A home security system has a variety of features such as sensors on doors and windows, motion detectors, outdoor lighting, panic buttons, multiple control panels, and video cameras. These features give homeowners peace of mind as, once activated the home is protected from intruders, regardless of whether or not a potential thief has befriended their pet.
The argument has been made that a security system comes with a monthly fee; however so do dogs. These costs include food, occasional damage to personal property, high veterinary bills, and in some cases higher rates on insurance to cover in personal or property damage caused by dogs. A home security system has a onetime installation cost and a monthly charge, but offsetting these costs is an up to 20% savings on homeowners insurance.
Whether one chooses to use a security system or opts for a large indoor dog, keeping one’s family safe is important. There are strong opinions on both sides of this question, so it is up to everyone to decide what works best for their situation. But the question does provide food for thought-regardless of whether one lives in a big city in a tiny apartment or in the country in a sprawling Colonial home
J. Marie Cunningham-Slagell - Whether I am writing about diabetic health care, mobile phone companies or visiting a new state, I take time to research my topic ...
