Using A Dog as a Home Security System

Using A Dog as a Home Security System

Using a dog as a home security system…Dogs are one of America’s most beloved family companions.  They bring us great joy and love.

Every now and then when people find out I own a home security business, they like to engage in a friendly challenge.  “Isn’t a dog a better home security system than an alarm system?  A barking dog can raise concerns in seconds, when it might take minutes for home alarm system.

There is some truth to the immediateness of a barking dog.  However, there are also limitations to substituting a family dog for a home security system.

Test Results…

CBS Atlanta put five breeds known for being instinctive guard dogs to the test by staging break-ins at their homes and watching their reactions. Some yelped at the fake intruder, most whimpered, one did tricks, another let the intruder carry her out of the home in his arms — and none of them fought him off.

Police Comments

From Sgt. John Delaney, a police department spoke person, “I would say your well-installed alarm is better than a dog.  There are people out there who break into the house and they actually steal the dog.”
From Insurance Companies

Most insurance companies will give from 5%-25% discounts on home insurance for installing a home security system.  A spoke person from the industry said that when you are using a watchdog for home protection, you are introducing a liability risk that would not exist with a home security system.  Depending on your dog’s breed, it may actuallyraise your insurance rates. A dog bites and alarm doesn’t.”

Costs

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the average cost of basic food, supplies, medical care and training for a dog is between $700 and $875 per year. A dog needs care and feeding, walks, vet bills. It is another level of responsibility. For those who travel quite a bit, that is not a realistic solution. You are taking a dog to a kennel or you are paying a house sitter. If you put the dog in a kennel, it removes all of your security.”  A home security system costs less and with fewer responsibilities.

Conclusion

They are just fun discussions about whether you should substitute a dog for home alarms system.  While being wonderful family members, dogs do have limitations when it comes to home security system.  A nice solution is to have the family dog and a home alarm system.