Will Man’s Best Friend Keep you Safe?
Is having a dog a good security measure for your home? When KGW News in Portland surveyed burglars about what they looked for when choosing a target home, many said a large breed, loud dog would be a deal breaker. But, for the most part, a smaller dog wasn’t as much of a deterrent.
Dogs are Victims too
If the presence of the dog doesn’t stop an intruder, they may harm the dog to keep it quiet or out of the way. Families have reported coming home and finding the dogs trapped in a bathroom or closet. One team of criminals even used the dog’s crate to transport all of the items they stole from the home.
CBS46 News in Atlanta staged a break-in at homes with dogs. They included traditional “guard dog” breeds (Rottweiler, German Shepherd) as well as more “family pet” types (Brittany Spaniel, English Staffordshire terrier). While some fought a little, they were no match for the burglar. Others fled and one was even taken by the burglar. Dogs typically have a protective instinct for their people, but that may not extend to the family’s possessions!
How do Dogs Fit in with your Security?
You want to be sure it is obvious you have a dog and also want to be sure the dog doesn’t prevent you from taking other security precautions. Here are a few tips:
- Play it up. When a stranger comes to the door, don’t say, “Oh he might just lick you to death” or other statements implying a harmless dog.
- Let him be Known. Do not discourage your dog from barking when he hears a noise or someone comes to the door. While it is unpleasant for a few minutes, it can alert you when something is not right, especially at night.
- Small but Mighty. If you have a small dog that has a menacing bark, try to keep it out of view when workers may be at the house or if a stranger comes to the door. This give the illusion that the dog is scarier than it really is!
- Doggie Door. If you have a doggie door for your pets, be sure it is the smallest size you need for them to fit through. Ideally a human being wouldn’t be able to fit through one, but with a larger dog, they probably can.
- Beware of Dog. Put up a sign – even if you don’t have a dog! It can’t hurt.
- Motion Detectors. In the old days, you couldn’t have motion detectors as part of your security system if you had dogs. But now, there are motion sensors that can ignore pets up to 70 pounds. This give you added protection from an intruder who makes it inside the house.
- Added Bonus. A dog should be seen as an added security measure in your home. It doesn’t replace an actual security system though. Dogs, even the smartest ones, can’t call the police. Also, they can’t tell who is a good guy and who is bad. They may growl at Uncle Fred but want to play ball with an intruder.
We Can Help!
At Cultris Security Systems, we love dogs as much as the next guy. That’s even our dog in the picture for this article! We can help you ensure your dog as well as your home and family are well protected! Call us today at 281-506-8466 or visit us online.
