Can Your Pup Protect You As Much as Home Security?
Are you trusting Fido or Fluffy with your home security? You aren’t alone. Today, over half of U.S. households have a dog, with our home state of Texas having some of the most committed dog owners in the nation. Barking dogs and bared teeth have long been trusted against burglars—even smaller, yapping dogs for deterrence.
At WH Technologies, we love our dogs, too. But we wouldn’t recommend relying on your pooch alone for home security. That doesn’t mean your dog isn’t helping at all. There is some evidence that having a dog at home can strengthen your security. But evidence suggests you need more than a canine security guard for total peace of mind.
Hounds Do Help—to a Point
There’s no denying that dogs are a great first line of defense for home security. Everyone knows that the sound of a barking dog can intimidate burglars. Amazon Echo speakers even include dog bark sounds as part of its security features, and a 2022 study by Ohio State University found that urban neighborhoods with more dog walkers have less crime.
Researchers from the University of Louisville discovered that homes with dogs experienced “property crimes at rates 1.71 percent lower than households without licensed dogs.” It’s something, but not a dramatic difference.
But here’s the catch: your dog as a deterrent only works if:
- The burglar believes the dog is a real threat
- The dog is inside and awake
- The dog reacts to unfamiliar people (and not just squirrels)
- The homeowner hears the bark or is home to respond
Professional burglars know this. In fact, many will “case” a home ahead of time, learning the dog’s routine, size, and even personality. They might bring treats to distract the dog, or wait until the house is empty and the pet is safely behind a door or crated. Some dogs (even big ones) simply aren’t territorial or aggressive, and many small dogs aren’t seen as a threat at all.
What If You’re Not Home?
Let’s say you’re at work or at an event for the night. Even if your dog is barking in the backyard or from inside, a burglar can likely tell if the driveway is empty and the house looks dark. If no lights turn on and no motion stirs after the dog barks, the burglar won’t be afraid to creep onto your property. If the dog is indoors, what’s stopping a burglar from robbing your backyard or garage?
And what if you take your dog with you on vacation? Anytime your dog is away from home, effectively so is your security system.
Man’s Best Friend Has Its Limitations
While your dog can alert you with noise, they can’t:
- Call emergency services
- Record evidence of the break-in
- Detect carbon monoxide or smoke
- Monitor all entry points at once
- Contact you when you’re not home
Dogs are reactive. But technology can be proactive. That’s where a smart home security system comes in.
Why Your Dog + Tech = the Ultimate Security Combo
Think of your dog as part of the security team, but not the whole force. When paired with smart security technology like motion sensors, doorbell cameras, smart locks, voice control, and 24/7 monitoring, your dog’s natural instincts become even more powerful.
Here’s how they can work together:
- Motion Sensors pick up movement before the dog reacts, ideal for backyard or side entry surveillance.
- Cameras provide evidence in the event of a crime and help you see what triggered your dog’s barking.
- Smart Notifications alert you in real-time, so even if your dog is barking while you’re at work, you’ll know what’s happening.
- Alarm Systems can scare off intruders before they ever get near your pet.
- 24/7 Monitoring ensures someone contacts the authorities on your behalf, so you don’t have to constantly monitor your security system yourself.
Some systems, like those from WH Smart Home, even allow pet-friendly motion sensors. Your dog won’t trigger false alarms, but any human intruder will.
Ready for Stronger Home Security?
Yes, your dog can help deter criminals. But a bark isn’t a backup plan, and relying solely on your pet for home security can leave gaps that smart intruders are all too ready to exploit.
The best solution? Let your dog keep doing what they do best while your security system handles the rest. Together, they make an unbeatable team. Contact WH Technologies in Houston, Texas, to upgrade your home security system today.