When it comes to protection dog vs. security system, which offers better protection? It can be difficult to choose the best security solution for you, especially when deciding between two options that are so different. Weigh the pros and cons for your unique home, family, and needs to determine the ideal solution for you. Are dogs the best security system, or are alarm systems better? That all depends on what you need from your security solution.
What Does a Security System Offer?
A security system is often the first security solution people consider for protecting their home, valuables, and family at night. There’s a good reason for that. A home security system offers helpful features and advanced technologies that help you monitor your home and property, whether you’re at home or away. Using a combination of lights, cameras, sirens, and other alerts, security systems can:
- Alert you to motion on your property
- Alert you to the opening and closing of doors and windows
- Incorporate glass-break sensors in case a window is broken
- Require a special code, use of a key fob, or voice control to enter the home and/or disarm the alarm
- Offer remote access and in-home access to arm or disarm the system
- Be self-monitored or professionally monitored
- Include a panic button or code to alert a monitoring service that you need help
Some security systems even offer features that work like a smart home, providing additional benefits like control of the thermostats, lights, and locks throughout your home.
What Does a Trained Protection Dog Provide?
A trained protection dog is another popular security solution, and again, there are very good reasons for that. Dogs have been used to protect family and property for as long as they’ve been domesticated. They offer one benefit that a security system is simply unable to offer: dogs are living creatures who want to protect their loved ones. A trained protection dog bonds with the people they live with and they’re willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect the people they care about.
In addition to the bond they offer, trained protection dogs can:
- Deter burglars by sound and sight before they even enter the property
- Detect potential threats well before the danger is imminent
- Alert homeowners to intruders and other potential threats before they enter
- Provide loving companionship for individuals or families
- Provide protection 24/7, without needing to be armed or disarmed
- Take action, watching a potential threat and neutralizing it if necessary
- Offer constant vigilance and protection, even away from home
- Improve the safety of the neighborhood, simply by being present
When it comes to a dog vs. security system, consider that protection dogs aren’t reliant on you to activate them. They can take on an active threat immediately, protecting you from harm and giving you valuable time to get to safety. Moreover, a protection dog keeps the threat neutralized until authorities or other help arrive, without the need for deadly force.
Real-World Scenarios: Who Performs Better?
As you explore whether you want to opt for a dog vs. security system for your security needs, it’s helpful to consider the real-world scenarios you might encounter and how each option might perform. The following are some examples to consider when asking, “Are dogs the best security system, or is an alarm system better?”
Home Invasion
- A protection dog:
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- Responds loudly and immediately
- Is physically intimidating, which may scare the intruder away
- Gets between you and the intruder, allowing you to escape and contact the authorities
- Attacks if necessary, neutralizing the intruder until help arrives
- A security system
- Has a loud siren, but could be disabled
- Rarely elicits a quick response
- Sometimes alerts police, but you’ll have to wait longer
- Can’t take any action
Threat While Traveling or Outdoors
- A protection dog:
- Goes with you, no matter where you are
- Can alert, deter, and act on any threats to you, regardless of location
- A security system:
- Can monitor threats to your property while you’re gone
- Is installed at your home, so can only protect you when you’re there
Power Outage/Tech Failure When You Need Help
- A protection dog:
- Doesn’t require power, and doesn’t need to be armed or disarmed to function
- Doesn’t malfunction or go offline
- Is trained to be on guard and ready to protect you around the clock, regardless of power glitches
- A security system:
- Might have battery or cellular backup in case of a power outage, but functionality may be limited
- Could have a technological malfunction, which could be detrimental to your safety
Costs and Long-Term Value
The costs of a protection dog vs. security system can vary and, as is often the case, you generally get what you pay for. A higher cost usually translates to better, more reliable protection.
Basic security systems can start at about $150 for a simple DIY alarm kit. A comprehensive, professionally installed system often costs $2000 or more, depending on the size of your property and the type of equipment installed. You’ll pay an additional monthly premium for features like video recording, smart notifications, professional monitoring, and more, for the lifetime of your security system. Repair costs apply when something breaks, too. Long-term value may be hard to define since technology advances quickly, and parts of your security system will become obsolete with time.
A well-trained protection dog is expensive, costing between $75,000 and $230,000, depending on the caliber of the dog and their training. You’ll also have smaller ongoing costs to maintain the health and care of your dog, but you’ll be getting significant value for your money. Your protection dog provides constant protection, and they also offer loving companionship. You’ll be getting more than just protection for your money; you’ll be getting another family member.
Combining Tech and Canines: Smart Home + Smart Dog
So, are dogs the best security system, or is a home alarm system a better choice? The truth is, there are benefits to both options. The ideal solution? Get the best of both worlds.
A home security system is a great starting point and can offer unique benefits like video recording or remote access to your system. A protection dog goes beyond what a security system can offer, providing reliable protection that goes wherever you go. And, since a protection dog also serves as a beloved family pet, you get the benefit of loyal companionship, too. Together, they offer everything you need.
Which Option is Best for Your Lifestyle?
If you can’t choose both options, decide which security solution provides greater benefits to you. A home security system is more affordable, but if have the means to purchase a top-tier protection dog, you’ll enjoy the greatest protection benefit. Your protection dog will be ready and willing to protect you and your loved ones anytime, anywhere. It’s hard to beat that peace of mind.
Scott’s K9 is an elite provider of expertly trained German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois personal protection dogs. To learn about our protection dogs for sale and discover the safety and security that can provide you, contact us today.
Sources:
https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/home-security-systems/buying-guide/
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/how-much-does-a-home-security-system-cost