Monitored Alarms vs. Dogs
Take a look at the picture above. How well do you think the dog in lying in the garden is going to save that house? Chances are that that homeowner’s best friend isn’t going to hurt a fly. I wonder if the family has a security alarm?
The chances of a dog protecting your house are slim. Many burglars that know there is going to be a dog on the property they are invading will do their research beforehand. The top three things a burglar will do before making your home the target are: drive by a number of times in a week or month to figure out what times you will be gone and for how long; figure out if there is a security alarm and, if so, where the electrical box is; and to see if your family has a dog. If there is a dog on the property, chances are the intruder is going to bring a bone or piece of meat to distract your furry friend.
Top Five Reason Your Dog Is Not The Best Security Alarm
Here are the top five reasons why your dog doesn’t make the best security alarm:
1. Family Dog To Watch Dog
If you are teaching your dog to protect your house, that’s great. At the same time, you could be gearing yourself up for a lawsuit. Your dog might scare off a child, but do you think it is going to scare off a burglar? Maybe not. Is it going to scare off someone who is welcome on the property, such as the mailman, UPS delivery guy or a police officer? Sure, it could at the worst time and harm a non-intruder. When that happens, you could face a major lawsuit against you. Is that something you are willing to risk? Choose wisely and make the decision to get a security alarm so the family pet can remain the family pet.
2. Dogs Need Outings Like People
Your dog won’t work as an alarm if they aren’t present all the time. When your family goes on vacation and takes the family dog, that leaves your home unprotected. Your dog needs to be taken for walks and definitely likes to go for car rides. Once again, your home becomes unprotected in terms of your dog being used as a watchdog.
When you have a security alarm, you are contacted by the security company if something happens while you’re away. If you feel the need, like most homeowners do, you can use your electronic devices, such as your Smartphone, to check on your home.
3. Your Dog Doesn’t Provide Camera Surveillance
How does your dog tell you that one of your child’s friends stole an expensive piece of jewelry from your nightstand? It doesn’t.
That’s why camera surveillance is so important. With a security system that includes cameras, you can watch your kids and your home from anywhere. You can check in while you’re at work, running errands, or even on vacation.
If someone triggers the alarm, your security company and the proper authorities get notified right away.
However, sometimes a family member or neighbor might set off the alarm by accident. If that happens, you can quickly look at the video. Then, you can call the alarm company to let them know it was a false alarm.
4. Your Dog Gets Injured or Stolen by the Intruder
When a burglar breaks into your home, they don’t want your dog to get in the way. If your dog becomes a problem, the intruder might hurt them to get in and out quickly.
Sometimes, thieves even steal dogs if they know the value of certain purebred breeds. They might try to sell your pet for extra money.
Protecting your dog is another good reason to have a security alarm system. Video surveillance cameras can catch the burglar’s face if they aren’t wearing a mask.
When the alarm goes off, it also alerts the authorities right away. Later, you can use the video footage to help find and catch the thief.
5. Your Security Alarm Gives You a Break on Homeowner’s Insurance
By having the alarm system you could be saving 5-10% on your homeowners insurance. Who doesn’t like to save money?
Dog or Security Alarm?
If all this talk about security alarms hasn’t convinced you yet, consider asking a professional for advice.
As pet owners, we need to treat our furry friends as true members of the family. After all, if something happened to your dog that you could have prevented, you would feel deep regret.
Moreover, security alarms don’t just protect your pets and family. They also guard your home against fires, floods, carbon monoxide, and many other dangers.
Therefore, don’t wait to call your security company. Make the decision today to keep everyone safe.
Call SPS Fire & Security today at 585-770-0348 to learn about your home alarm options.
