This topic could almost fit in Tactics and Training or Survival and Emergency Preparedness sub-forums, except that it is more strategic than tactical and more for everyday life than emergency.
All the recent talk about sophisticated camera, light, and alarm systems made me wonder if we are forgetting something much simpler that has worked for man for the past 11,000 years: A canine. You get the alarm, the deterrent, and possibly the added protection all in one package.
In the subject of home security, I would say that the most important value of dogs is the deterrence factor that they provide. This eliminates crimes of opportunity and a decent part of premeditated crimes.
Secondly, it is the alarm value. Whether a soon-to-be intruder is forcing his way in the house or quitely entering, you will know (most likely before the bad guy is even in the house). Likely, all the tumult will cause the intruder to flee, but if he is so determined as to be willing to fight your dog to get to you, your dog just bought you time to prepare to defend your family.
Thirdly, if you have a good dog, it could also add on to your protection "layers". An intruder's intentions would soon change if he is all of sudden wearing your dog on his body. Again, this buys you time to get ready and either defend your dog or if your dog is winning, enjoy the show.
I know, I know, dogs poop and need walking, while cameras and lights don't. I realize that not all lifestyles allow for owning a dog, but if yours does, it's something worth considering.
All the recent talk about sophisticated camera, light, and alarm systems made me wonder if we are forgetting something much simpler that has worked for man for the past 11,000 years: A canine. You get the alarm, the deterrent, and possibly the added protection all in one package.
In the subject of home security, I would say that the most important value of dogs is the deterrence factor that they provide. This eliminates crimes of opportunity and a decent part of premeditated crimes.
Secondly, it is the alarm value. Whether a soon-to-be intruder is forcing his way in the house or quitely entering, you will know (most likely before the bad guy is even in the house). Likely, all the tumult will cause the intruder to flee, but if he is so determined as to be willing to fight your dog to get to you, your dog just bought you time to prepare to defend your family.
Thirdly, if you have a good dog, it could also add on to your protection "layers". An intruder's intentions would soon change if he is all of sudden wearing your dog on his body. Again, this buys you time to get ready and either defend your dog or if your dog is winning, enjoy the show.
I know, I know, dogs poop and need walking, while cameras and lights don't. I realize that not all lifestyles allow for owning a dog, but if yours does, it's something worth considering.
