Dogs: The Best Security System You Could Have (Besides the Real Thing)

by Kim Wade

A security system can’t hear the soft footsteps of an intruder tiptoeing through your grass, but a dog sure can. Dogs prove to be the best security for a home if you don’t have the real thing.

Dogs instinctively alert you to outside noises and bumps on the roof day and night. If you learn how to monitor and train your dog correctly, you can get the most out of his instincts to protect you and your home. Here are a few ways to get the most out of your furry alarm system.

Reward Behavior
Everyone thrives with rewards, and dogs are no different. Don’t yell at your dog to be quiet when he barks at a knock on the door. Simply pet his head and tell him he is doing a good job protecting your home. A bite-sized treat can get him to stop barking once you have acknowledged your house guest as a friendly presence.

Stay Close
Leaving your dog shut up in the basement during the night leaves your home vulnerable to intruders. Keep your dog within earshot of your bedroom so you can hear his alarming bark. Simply kennel your pet if you worry he will destroy your home during the night while you sleep.

The kennel is also a good spot for your dog during the day while you are away from home. Make sure the kennel is positioned closely to the front door or back door so that an intruder will hear his bark and leave the home. No one wants to go up against an angry dog.

Professional Guidance
Not sure how to train your dog to protect your home? Get professional advice and training. Many local pet stores or your veterinarian can guide you to the right trainers for your dog. Some dog breeds are more aggressive than others, so it is important to be sure your dog is trained correctly.

Practice Run
It’s never a good idea to wait until your home is threatened to check your dog’s security training. Take a few minutes each week to test his protection skills. This ensures his hearing is working properly and it also trains you to recognize his signals. Each dog alerts owners differently, and it is important you understand your dog’s reactions and signals.

Build a Bond
Dogs have the ability to love and protect humans, but those bonds must be built with constant, positive interaction. Leaving your dog outside all day or closed in a back room will not build those relationships. It is important for your dog to feel the need to protect you. If your dog is loved and cared for correctly, he will protect you and your home every time the need arises.

Now you are armed with the knowledge to make your dog a better alarm system for you and your home. Remember, your pet may not be as effective as the real thing, but he can prove to protect your home if the need ever arises. Hopefully, he will never be put to the test.

Kim Wade is a freelance writer who writes about motherhood, pets, blogging, and the importance of owning a wireless home alarm.