Home Security - the Role of the Dog

The most important role of the dog(s) in your home security system is to raise the alarm and alert you that there is an intruder or potential intruder. The second most important function is to scare away the intruder preferably before he enters the house so that no break-in occurs. The third most important function is for the dog to attack the intruder and give you time to call the police or get away safely, possibly giving his life for yours.

It's important to remember that these are the dogs function as part of home security. They are only a small part of the role the dog should play as a member of your family. The reason your dog will raise the alarm and do his best to protect you and your family is that he is a part of that family. He is a member of your pack and feels strongly the need to protect the pack and its home. So if you are selecting a dog for home security, do not forget that you must also select the dog to be a trusted member of your family.

Except in very unusual circumstances, you do not want nor need a trained attack dog. Count on the dog's loyalty and instincts to make him do his part.

That said, the dog should live in the house. The house is his territory and part of what he is there to defend. If you keep your dog in the back yard, then the back yard is his territory, not the house, and when a burglar comes in through the front door, the dog will be helpless to defend you, and may not even bark.

Let the dog(s) sleep in the main part of the house and roam freely. They should be able to reach all the windows and doors on the first floor and think of them as the boundaries of their extended den.

If you can afford it, two dogs are far better than one. They will keep each other company when you are not home and if there is trouble, they will back each other up. For a burglar to willingly face multiple dogs in a house when he can just go elsewhere would take an extra high amount of stupidity.

Dogs prevent burglaries and save lives every year. If you have any doubts of it, do an internet search on the words dog and burglary and read some of the stories of their bravery and sacrifice. It is sad but there will be multiple stories of dogs being shot in trying to protect their families. Large dogs are better able to survive these injuries which is one of the reasons, plus the scare factor, that I recommend at least one of the dogs be a large breed whether an English Mastiff, German Sheppard, Doberman, Bull Mastiff, Rottweiler, or other large breed of your choice.