For years the only dependable alarm system was dogs. In the absence of electronic alarms, man's best friend also doubled up as his guard dog, keeping burglars at bay and wild animals from entering properties. Now, with competition from electronic systems, is the role of the guard dog slowly fading into obscurity?
With a dog, you don't just get an alarm system, you get a companion and a family member. For advocates, this beats not having one and relying solely on modern technology. The aging baby boomer population also benefits more because dogs can act as working dogs while keeping home and hearth safe.
But, there's no debating the fact that home alarms are also extremely useful. Based on sophisticated technology, they can sound alarms using motion sensors, cameras and more. For many, especially those with no time to look after a dog it makes more sense installing security alarms than depending on a guard dog.
Dog lovers swear by the fact that their furry companions not only do a great job of keeping watch but knowing that there's a dog in the house means people are deterred from trespassing or breaking in. To be fair, certain breeds of dogs are more territorial and courageous. Dobermans and German Shepherds, for example, have proved time and again that they figure among the top of the list of excellent guard dogs. Pit bulls and Rottweilers too are favorites.
Breed aside, training is critical to getting dogs to chase and even attack burglars. Canine security companies provide training and teach homeowners how to deliver commands and take on the role of leader. Others provide dogs for specific settings like events, commercial sites, for schools and industrial complexes.
With alarms, preprogrammed and programmable controls allow for flexibility and a good level of security. It's so easy too; just set a code, turn the system on and it stays that way till it's disarmed or tripped in which case it emits a loud noise or sends a signal to the security company monitoring it.
As much as alarm systems offer, there's the threat of having them hacked which we all know has become incredibly easy to do as tech-savvy criminals have demonstrated time and again. Expensive and high-tech systems are more secure but the ordinary citizen is unlikely to afford them.
What, then, is the solution to securing a house? Since both dogs and electronic alarms have pros and cons how do we come to a compromise? The answer is by combining the two or choosing one based on threat level.
Dogs are great for all-round protection but guard dogs should ideally be of specific breeds because they're easier to train and are more territorial. You can always have three or four dogs, one or two of which are a certain breed like the ones mentioned above.
Electronic alarms should be installed if you're living in areas that see a moderate to high level of criminal activity. Relying solely on canine security here is not a wise idea because criminals are likely to hurt dogs and steal them.
The best protection is a combination of the two. If possible, install a decent alarm system and have a couple of dogs that are trained to guard the property. You'll have the best of both worlds and the love of a furry friend.
With a dog, you don't just get an alarm system, you get a companion and a family member. For advocates, this beats not having one and relying solely on modern technology. The aging baby boomer population also benefits more because dogs can act as working dogs while keeping home and hearth safe.
But, there's no debating the fact that home alarms are also extremely useful. Based on sophisticated technology, they can sound alarms using motion sensors, cameras and more. For many, especially those with no time to look after a dog it makes more sense installing security alarms than depending on a guard dog.
Dog lovers swear by the fact that their furry companions not only do a great job of keeping watch but knowing that there's a dog in the house means people are deterred from trespassing or breaking in. To be fair, certain breeds of dogs are more territorial and courageous. Dobermans and German Shepherds, for example, have proved time and again that they figure among the top of the list of excellent guard dogs. Pit bulls and Rottweilers too are favorites.
Breed aside, training is critical to getting dogs to chase and even attack burglars. Canine security companies provide training and teach homeowners how to deliver commands and take on the role of leader. Others provide dogs for specific settings like events, commercial sites, for schools and industrial complexes.
With alarms, preprogrammed and programmable controls allow for flexibility and a good level of security. It's so easy too; just set a code, turn the system on and it stays that way till it's disarmed or tripped in which case it emits a loud noise or sends a signal to the security company monitoring it.
As much as alarm systems offer, there's the threat of having them hacked which we all know has become incredibly easy to do as tech-savvy criminals have demonstrated time and again. Expensive and high-tech systems are more secure but the ordinary citizen is unlikely to afford them.
What, then, is the solution to securing a house? Since both dogs and electronic alarms have pros and cons how do we come to a compromise? The answer is by combining the two or choosing one based on threat level.
Dogs are great for all-round protection but guard dogs should ideally be of specific breeds because they're easier to train and are more territorial. You can always have three or four dogs, one or two of which are a certain breed like the ones mentioned above.
Electronic alarms should be installed if you're living in areas that see a moderate to high level of criminal activity. Relying solely on canine security here is not a wise idea because criminals are likely to hurt dogs and steal them.
The best protection is a combination of the two. If possible, install a decent alarm system and have a couple of dogs that are trained to guard the property. You'll have the best of both worlds and the love of a furry friend.
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