Does Having a Dog Actually Deter Burglars? What Security Experts Say

Have you ever wondered if that furry friend of yours is actually protecting your home from break-ins? I’ve been researching this topic for weeks, and lemme tell you – the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think!

As someone who’s both a dog lover and kinda paranoid about home security, I wanted to dig deep into whether our four-legged companions are actually keeping the bad guys away. The truth is that while dogs can be great deterrents, they shouldn’t be your only line of defense against home intrusions.

The Short Answer: Yes, But It’s Complicated

Let’s get straight to the point – yes having a dog does deter burglars in many cases. But there’s a whole lot more to the story that you should know before relying on Fido as your security system.

According to research cited by multiple experts, dogs are actually considered one of the top deterrents for potential home invaders. A study mentioned by Bob Vila found that “households with licensed dogs enjoyed property crime rates 1.71 percentage points lower than households without licensed dogs.” That might not sound like a huge difference, but when it comes to protecting your home, every bit helps!

Why Dogs Make Good Burglar Deterrents

There are several reasons why dogs are effective at keeping burglars away

1. The Unpredictability Factor

Burglars hate surprises. They prefer homes where they can get in and out quickly without any unexpected obstacles. A dog adds an element of unpredictability that most burglars just don’t want to deal with.

As security expert K. Campbell notes, “Research shows that ‘occupancy cues’ like dogs are major deterrents in attempts to burglarize homes.” Dogs create uncertainty, and uncertainty is a burglar’s worst enemy.

2. That Barking Though!

The noise factor cannot be overstated. Burglars interviewed in various studies consistently mention that loud, barking dogs are often deal-breakers when choosing a target.

In fact, a study by KGW8 in Oregon surveyed 86 burglars and found that “if a homeowner had a big, loud dog most burglars would stay away.” One convicted burglar even admitted, “dogs are a deal breaker for me…Big breeds, home protectors are the best to keep people out.”

3. Physical Barriers and Intimidation

Some dogs aren’t just noisy – they can actually be physically intimidating. Larger breeds especially can pose a genuine threat to intruders, making your home significantly less appealing as a target.

A career burglar named Jack Black (not the actor!) revealed in his memoir that “dogs, young or old, are the bane of the burglar’s life.” That’s pretty telling coming from someone who made their living breaking into homes!

Not All Dogs Are Created Equal (For Security)

While any dog might help with home security to some degree, certain breeds are definitely more effective than others. According to Brandi Hunter Munden from the American Kennel Club, some breeds have a natural instinct to protect their family and territory.

Some of the best breeds for home security include:

• Boxers: Natural guide dogs with protective instincts
• Bullmastiffs: Historically bred as guard dogs, intimidating but not overly aggressive
• Cane Corsos: Imposing appearance with strong loyalty
• Doberman Pinschers: Purpose-bred for protection, often used by police
• German Shepherds: Highly trainable with protective instincts
• Rottweilers: Strong territorial instincts, calm but alert

Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, miniature pinschers, and schnauzers might not physically intimidate burglars, but they can still alert you with their barking. And sometimes, that noise alone is enough to send an intruder looking for an easier target.

Even friendly breeds like labs and golden retrievers probably won’t provide much physical protection, though their presence and barking can still serve as a deterrent.

When Dogs Aren’t Enough: The Limitations

Here’s where we gotta be real – dogs aren’t foolproof security systems. There are several important limitations to consider:

1. Dogs Can’t Call 911

This might seem obvious, but it’s worth pointing out. While your dog might alert you to danger, they can’t actually summon help if you’re not home or unable to respond. As ADT points out, “While man’s best friend does act as a solid burglar deterrent, Fido can’t help much once a break-in actually takes place.”

2. Determined Burglars Have Workarounds

Sadly, truly determined criminals may have tactics to neutralize the threat of a dog. A disturbing story out of Norfolk, Virginia described a break-in where burglars attempted to spray the homeowner’s dogs with ammonia during the burglary.

Some burglars might also try to distract dogs with treats or toys, or may be prepared to physically repel them.

3. The Bark Might Be Worse Than the Bite

An investigation cited by ADT tested how dogs would react to a fake intruder. The results were eye-opening – in all cases, the dogs acknowledged the intruder by barking or growling but then retreated. Your dog might sound scary, but that doesn’t mean they’ll actually confront an intruder.

4. Liability Issues Are Real

This is a big one that many dog owners don’t consider. If your dog actually does attack an intruder, you could face serious legal consequences.

As Mark Friedlander from the Insurance Information Institute points out, “Insurance claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries cost homeowners $854 million.” Even more shocking – in many states, criminals can successfully sue homeowners if they’re attacked by a guard dog, even if they were breaking the law at the time!

Plus, some insurance companies won’t cover certain “dangerous” dog breeds, including German shepherds, pit bulls, Doberman pinschers, and Rottweilers. That’s definitely something to check before getting a dog for security purposes.

The Best Approach: Dogs + Security Systems

So what’s the solution? Security experts almost unanimously recommend a combined approach – pair your canine companion with a proper home security system.

ADT puts it perfectly: “The optimal solution for deterring burglars is to mix your favorite canine with a monitored security system.”

This combination gives you multiple layers of protection:

1. The dog provides initial deterrence through barking and physical presence
2. The security system provides monitoring, recording, and emergency response
3. Together, they create a much more secure home environment

Louis Wood, owner of a private security firm in San Antonio, suggests thinking about “how can I make my house as unappealing to rob as possible.” Combining multiple security measures is the best way to achieve this.

Beyond Dogs: Other Security Measures to Consider

While we’re focusing on dogs here, it’s worth mentioning some other effective burglar deterrents that can complement your canine security:

• Visible security cameras: These are major deterrents
• Good lighting: Eliminates hiding spots
• Strong doors and windows: Physical barriers take time to breach
• Smart home security: Modern systems that alert you to potential threats
• Neighborhood watch programs: Community vigilance helps everyone

Interestingly, some homeowners without dogs have found success with “virtual dogs” – Amazon even offers recordings of dogs barking on Echo smart speakers as a security measure!

The Bottom Line: Dogs Help, But Don’t Rely On Them Alone

So, does having a dog deter burglars? Absolutely! But should you rely solely on your dog for home security? Definitely not.

Dogs can be a wonderful first line of defense and an amazing deterrent, but they have limitations. The ideal approach combines the natural deterrent effect of a dog with the reliability and emergency response capabilities of a modern security system.

Plus, let’s be honest – getting a dog solely for security purposes isn’t fair to the dog. These amazing animals deserve to be loved family members first and security systems second.

If you already have a dog, great! They’re providing some level of security just by being there. But consider supplementing their protective presence with other security measures for comprehensive protection.

And if you’re thinking about getting a dog specifically for security? Make sure you’re also ready for the commitment, love, and care that dog ownership requires. A dog is a 10-15 year commitment, not just a security device!

Final Thoughts

I’ve learned so much researching this topic, and the biggest takeaway for me is that home security is all about layers. No single solution – not even the most intimidating guard dog – can provide complete protection. But by combining the natural deterrent of a dog with modern security technology, you can create a home that most burglars will simply choose to avoid.

So give your furry friend an extra treat today – they’re doing more to protect your home than you might realize! But maybe also look into that security system you’ve been putting off. Your dog deserves a partner in keeping your home safe!

Do you have a dog that’s helped deter suspicious activity around your home? Or maybe you’ve found other effective security measures? Share your experiences in the comments!

Yes, burglars generally avoid homes with dogs because the barking can alert the homeowners or neighbors and draw unwanted attention, and the presence of a protective dog can be a physical deterrent. Studies and reports from law enforcement and former burglars show that homes with dogs are less likely to be targeted, though it’s important to remember that a dog is not a foolproof guarantee against a determined intruder.

Yes, “Beware of Dog” signs can act as a deterrent, particularly for less experienced or impulsive burglars, as they are aware that a dog presents an unpredictable and noisy threat, according to Psychology Today and Olanzu. However, they are not foolproof and can even attract some burglars who are experienced with dogs or who see the sign as a challenge or a sign that there is no advanced security system, notes Your Pets Daily and Deep Sentinel. The most effective strategy involves a combination of a sign, an actual dog, and other security measures like visible cameras.