Nothing compares to the joy of being greeted by a wagging tail after a long day of work. We call dogs “man’s best friend” for a reason. When it comes to home security, however, Fido isn’t the ultimate solution.
A barking dog can be a great deterrent for burglars, but studies show a monitored home security system is actually more effective at keeping burglars at bay. University of North Carolina researchers surveyed 372 burglars and found that visible signs of a home security system topped the list of deterrents. The presence of dogs inside the home came in fourth.
While we like to believe our canine companions would chase off anyone who actually made entry into the house, that’s not always the case. CBS46 News in Atlanta put this to the test by staging break-ins at five different homes occupied by dogs. None of the five dogs – a Brittany Spaniel, an English Staffordshire Terrier, a Papillion mix, a Rottweiler and a German Sheppard – did much of anything to prevent the burglaries. Most whimpered, some did tricks.
Once a burglar is inside the house, dogs are often in more danger than the burglar. Intruders have been known to abuse, steal or even kill dogs. In fact, in a tragic story from Orlando last year, a family lost their two-year-old Boxer, Wilson, when an intruder stabbed him during a break-in.
These are just a few of the reasons many law enforcement officials and security experts agree that dogs are great, but dogs and home security systems together are even better.
Here are some additional factors to consider:
Always Home
Like most good dog owners, you probably take your pup with you on walks, running errands or even on vacation. Without a home security system, these times provide perfect opportunities for burglars. Having a monitored home security system, on the other hand, means your home is protected 24/7/365.
Notifying Police
If the dog’s presence doesn’t scare off a burglar, the best you can hope is that his bark will catch the attention of neighbors. With a monitored security system, police are automatically dispatched as soon as the thief makes entry into the house, so they can make the arrest and save your property.
Homeowners Insurance
Insurers know that homes with security systems are three times less likely to be targeted by burglars, so having a monitored home security system installed can reduce your homeowner’s insurance premium an average of 20%. That’s more than enough to offset the higher rates insurers often charge families with certain dog breeds.
Guarding Against Other Risks
A good home security system does more than just protect your home from intruders, it also guards against smoke, fire, carbon monoxide and more. These are risks to people and pets alike.
Dogs enrich our lives in many ways, but relying on them for home security may be too much to ask. Give Rover a partner in protecting your home. Contact Crime Prevention Security Systems today to find out about our pet-friendly home security options.
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