Dogs have been guarding our homes, our property, our flocks, our lives, and the lives of our loved ones for thousands of years. A dog’s senses are far keener then a human’s, meaning their ability to hear, smell, and see intruders proved their worth and no home was safe without one. Although large and nimble dogs were considered the guard dog of choice, even small dogs work as an early warning detection system and alert homeowners to invasion.

 

Breeding to naturally enhance protective behaviors increased the effectiveness of various breeds. For example, the Bullmastiff was developed in the Middle Ages to be the gamekeeper’s dog and protect the noblemen’s land from poachers. As it was more of a deterrent to hang or flog a poacher in front the townsfolk, Bullmastiffs were bred to grab and contain the person so they could not flee punishment nor be prematurely killed by the dog. In comparison, flock guardians such as the Great Pyrenees and the Caucasian Ovcharka were bred to protect their flocks from not only man, but also four-legged thieves. Their immense size and strength matched with such things as an extra thick coat made them withstand hungry wolf, bear, and wild cat attacks. 

 

Thousands of years later, our pet dogs still retain many of the latent behaviors that were part of early breed development. Whether it is towards their house, their people, their cars, their yards, or their dinner bowls, most dogs show a varied degree of protective behavior.

 

Times have changed however and no long are our four-legged friends the only alarm system available. Home alarm systems have been around for several decades and although early models were clunky and ineffective, advancements within the industry have given our canine companions a run for their money.

 

So what is better for protecting your valuables - a dog or a home alarm?

 

A Dog versus a Home Alarm

 

The quick answer, if you are looking at strictly guarding property, most police officers agree that a dog does a better job then an alarm system. Dogs can detect intruders prior to them opening a door or breaking a window, frightening them away from your home before any damage is done. Although motion sensor lights can do the same thing, nothing says ‘move on bad guy’ like a barking dog.

 

Most breeds and sizes of dogs guard at this basic level as well. Although a thief may not be as frightened of Fluffy the five-pound Chihuahua as he is of Fido the hundred pound Rottweiler, it is the barking that actually deters him – noise attracts attention and that is the last thing your would-be thief wants.

 

Advanced K9 Protection

 

If you are looking for something with a little bite, however, the argument between a dog versus a home alarm system becomes more complicated.

 

A properly trained guard dog is not only an effective deterrent but also protection if the bad guy goes against his best interest and actually breaks into your home. Trained to contain an attacker at several levels beginning with a ‘barking hold’ to physically restraining an arm holding a knife or gun to taking a ‘full body bite’ that would stop the average bad guy, these dogs are both the deterrent and the protector. They are effective at what they do and few bad guys would attempt to enter a home that contained a dog that is of the more common guard or protection breeds such as a German Shepherd Dog, a Doberman Pinscher, or a Rottweiler.

 

The drawback to a guard dog is that they are still flesh and blood that can be injured or killed as well as potentially negated with a yummy steak or other tasty morsel. These dogs also take special training and consistent practice to remain in top performance and no one wants a trained guard dog that has lost its ‘edge’ – they can be a liability no homeowner wants to consider!

 

Advanced Home Alarm Protection

 

With home invasions and increased violent crime, alarm systems have come a long way in recent years. Two way communication with specially trained technicians means that when your alarm is triggered, there is an instant response from someone outside of the home who is able to send help. As much as your faithful canine may want to run to your neighbors for help, few people are as dog savvy as little Timmy and if your dog is anything but a Collie, they may not understand what it is your dog is asking.

 

Other benefits of a home alarm system versus a dog? Most are designed to work with your smoke and/or heat detectors, alerting head office to a potential fire. Can your dog do this? Yes, but if you are not home to alert, you not only loose your house but also your trusty best friend!

 

So what is Better, a Dog or a Home Alarm System?

 

For most people a home alarm system is the right choice for securing their house and family. Although a dog makes an excellent deterrent to would be thieves, the ability for the alarm to protect you and your family against violent crimes as well as your home from fires provides substantial added value and peace of mind.

 

Home alarms are also more convenient. They do not need feeding, exercise, vet appointments, or attention and if you decide to go away for a week, they do not need to be kenneled. And, if the only reason you are looking at getting a dog is for protecting your home then get a home alarm. Dogs are living, breathing, and feeling creatures that cannot and should not be used only as a means of protection.

 

If you already have a dog, you are better off then your neighbor who has neither an alarm system nor a four-legged early detection system. However, if you are looking for long term, low maintenance peace of mind, an alarm system is the simplest solution to protect your home and family!