Is a Guard Dog Better Than a Security Alarm?
During the current difficult economic times, many homeowners are looking at ways in which they can cut back on expenses. As a result, many are wondering whether the guard dog might be a better and less expensive alternative to a home security system. At first glance, a guard dog can appear to be a good solution to such a quandary, but there are several factors which homeowners should be aware of when considering whether a guard dog or a home security system would be the better option.
One factor which many homeowners fail to understand about having a guard dog protect their property is that some breeds of dogs which are known to be ‘good’ guard dogs are not exactly the family type of dog that would be a good addition to the family. Many of these dogs may develop extremely aggressive behavior in the future. This can be a problem if the family entertains and has friends over on a regular basis. It can even be a problem when someone unknown to the dog but perfectly secure needs to visit the home, such as a delivery person or repairman. This can result in possible bites and could even lead to liability and lawsuits. To avoid this type of scenario, the dog should be properly trained and that can take several months of dedicated training.
Homeowners who are considering adding a guard dog to their property rather than using a home security alarm should also make sure they understand exactly how effective the guard dog might be. Burglars can be quite charming and while they may lead a life of crime, it is not unheard of for a burglar to have a good rapport with dogs. Consequently, you cannot always fully depend on a dog to protect your property.
In addition, there are security features that a guard dog simply cannot provide to your home and family which a monitored home security alarm would be able to do. For example, a guard dog does not have the ability to contact the authorities in the event that a burglar tries to break into your home. Also, a guard dog will not be able to alert the proper authorities in the even that there is some other type of emergency at your home, such as flooding or a fire. Finally, a guard dog will not be able to utilize a surveillance camera to be sure that your property has round the clock protection.
It should also be taken into consideration that when you are away from home on vacation you will need to decide what to do with your dog. If you will be gone for an extended period of time you may need to board your dog and that will leave your home vulnerable, especially considering the fact that burglars wait for just such opportunities to strike.
Considering all of the advantages which a home security system offers the small cost is really negligible. A dog can be a great addition to a home, but should not be fully relied upon as a security device.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Kelly
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