Home Security – Well Trained Dog
Perhaps the number one home security measure is a dog. Dogs are man’s best friend, they are territorial and will defend your home at all costs. These attributes make them great for protecting a home. If the breed of dog that you own looks formidable and has a strong bark, it most likely will deter all but the most hardened burglar away.
Most burglars are looking for a quick snatch and grab – they don’t want the hassle of a big, loud dog. They could get hurt, caught or at least their presence will be well known and their cover blown – all that is left for them is to flee and find another, easier target.
Training Required
A home guard dog however, must be trained and kept that way. Many homeowners have dogs that are confused, poorly trained, or untrained. These dogs are probably of little use in home security. If a burglar can befriend them by giving them a treat and petting them – the value of the animal is compromised. So if you want a dog to protect you, your family, and your home you must do more than just let it lie around and feed it. You must pursue training for the canine. Contact your local police and ask them where you could find home security training for your dog.
Guard Dog Breeds
One thing to remember is that some breeds may be trained for security, but not make good family dogs. You must consider whether you want this breed to run freely with your children when they are playing. Before purchasing such a dog consider if you have to watch it all the time because it is a warrior breed. In recent times we have seen the proliferation of American Pit Bulls everywhere. Are these dogs dangerous? People argue one way or the other. However, people have been killed by them or mutilated. Whether this breed has been singled out as a killer and whenever something happens it gets to the front page of a newspaper, whereas other breeds may be just as dangerous but not singled out – is not known.
If you live alone and want to spend the time training a warrior dog to defend your home then those breeds are available to you. As for the regular home owner – a less dangerous dog, but one that is still formidable, is perhaps a better choice. There are many breeds that can provide you with security and not make you walk around your house on egg shells – wondering whether a loud noise from a car will trigger your dog into hyperactive-warrior mode.
Guard Dog Training
There are many websites and local classes where you can get information on dog obedience training. It is best for you and the animal if the animal is well trained. If he or she is confused, your home security is compromised. You would want the dog to bark his heart out when something unusual goes bonk in the night or even in the daytime.
One of the best dog training tricks is the use of positive reinforcement. When he or she does something right, pet him, hug him, give him a treat – make a big thing of it. When she comes when you call her, take the time to pet her and give her soft words of encouragement. If you treat the dog positively, you will train it to know it has done something good, the sooner it will understand what and where its boundaries are, and the better your home protection will be.
Dogs are a great deterrent to home invasion, but they have to be trained. It takes time to positively interact with your dog and teach it acceptable behavior. But if you do take the time it can be very rewarding – you’ll sleep better at night knowing that your dog is on sentry duty.
About the Author:
Mac Abley is a Home Security enthusiast. For more tips on Guard Dog Breeds visit http://www.allabouthomesecurity.com
