The Best Guard Dogs

A family pet can add more value to your family than companionship for the children. A well trained guard dog can add a new level of security to your household.  

Basically any dog can be a watchdog, that includes those silly little dogs celebrities carries around in their handbags. But all they can do is alert their owners of danger with their persistent ear piercing barks. A guard dog, on the other hand, can be trained to restrain or attack any unwelcome visitor to your home. 

If you are serious about your security here is a few of the best guard dogs available in South Africa.

Doberman 

The Doberman’s frequent use as a military, search and rescue, police and guard dog all over the world speaks volumes about this great and versatile breed. This medium to large, squarely built dog is highly athletic and one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. Doberman’s are ranked as the 5th most intelligent dog in the category of obedience command training. Dobermans have an unfair reputation of being stereotyped as unmanageable and overly aggressive. They are extremely loyal to their family. As a personal protection dog they are fearless and capable guardians and sufficiently obedient and restrained to only do so on the command of their owner.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is an ancient dog breed which originated in Germany and was originally used as herd guards and protection dogs. This is a medium / large breed with compact and powerful body, a broad deep chest and muscular neck. Rottweilers have a fearless and self assured nature. They have generally good temperament if raised by a firm owner. Their credentials as a guard dog are great because of a natural desire to protect family and home. It is an intelligent dog of extreme adaptability and hardiness with a strong willingness to work, making them especially suited as a guardian and companion. The exceptional strength of the Rottweiler makes it a menacing appearance to any intruder.

German Shephard (Alsatian)

German Shephards are one the most recognizable and popular dog breeds in the world. This agile, large and powerful dog is also ranked highly in intelligence and is widely used in police and military roles. German Shephard’s are known for their intelligence. Their protective nature, high trainability factor and physical strength make them a highly recommended guard dog.

Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a large and ferocious looking dog of English origin. Their physical power combined with natural guardian instincts are great for families as these dogs can alternate between a capable protector and playful pet.

Boerboel (South African Mastiff)

The Boerboel is a large and powerful dog of South African origin specifically bred as a guard dog. Boerbels have a have strong territorial instinct and due to their calm and confident nature they remain the guard dog of choice for many African farmers. Boerbels are a powerful and headstrong breed and require obedience training from a young age. This breed is highly recommended for strong and dominant owners.

Alarms systems that a specially designed for a household with animals are available from Free Alarms.  The sensors are set in such a way that your dog won’t trigger a false alarm. Modifications can also be made to your current system.

Source: www.dogbreed4u.com

Shed a light on crime

 

When used strategically, the lighting fixtures in and around your house can be valuable part of your home security.  Electricity bill aside, lighting is also a relatively affordable

Outdoor

Outdoor lighting combined with sensitive motion sensors provides a sense of security, especially with a home that has numerous dark corners. Place the lights and motion sensors near doors and windows which will most likely be targeted by the burglar.

Strive to maintain an aesthetic quality when planning the lights. If the lights are to sharp or placed at the wrong angles it may prove to be bothersome to neighbors and even members of your own household. The lighting can also have the dual function of accentuating your garden.

Burglar Beacon

When out for the evening, most leave a single light on as an added security measure and in some cases as the only security measure.  A single light can literally become a beacon for burglars who have become the wiser.  It is better to leave multiple lights on around the house along with a radio of TV.

Successful burglars are those who can move around without being seen. Just by flipping on the light switch you are already on the way of creating a safe home for your family.

It Takes A Thief....to give expert security advice

 

“You lock every door and window in your house. But they know every trick in the book. Two expert thieves size up, break into and rip off real homes. And unless you know how they get in, you don't have a chance of keeping them out.”

It Takes a Thief  is an alternative reality show produced by the Discovery Channel that ran for two seasons. The show is a fly-on-the-wall view into the inner workings of a burglary. The security of residential homes is tested with a fully-fledged burglary. This gives home owners invaluable insights into the security threats in their property.  It Takes a Thief  is hosted by two former convicted thieves, Matt Johnston and Jon Douglas Rainey. 

Who better to give advice on security than someone whose “job” was to breach it? Here are a few tips by Rainey and Johnston on security alarms:

• Homes without a home-security/alarm system have a significantly higher break-in rate, so invest in an alarm system to protect your home ... and use it. Most of us ignore the sirens of car and house alarms because they go off regularly, so make sure your house alarm is connected to the police and a central station to ensure someone will respond.
• When you connect your alarm system to a monitoring station, make sure you have a back-up cellular connection in case your phone service is disrupted.
•  If you move into a house with an old alarm system contact the provider to inquire about an upgrade.
•  Consider a security system equipped with ultrasonic sensors that can detect movement inside your home, not just breaches of your doors and windows. Certain alarm systems allow your home to have separate zones so specific areas can always stay armed. Also, a panic button can be hooked up to your alarm system's central server for added protection inside your home.
•  Less expensive security options include motion sensors, sound detectors and photocells, all of which can be used to turn on lights when triggered. Especially if you live in a hidden or dark area, motion sensors on outdoor lights are an easy and inexpensive deterrent for any possible intruders on your property at night.
• Individual window alarms, which are activated by vibration, can also discourage thieves. If you have an alarm system, make sure all your windows either have contacts on them or you have glass-break sensors in the rooms.
•  A thief may try to dismantle your alarm system, so make sure the system's central panel is in a secure spot. In addition, since construction or wildlife can disrupt outside wiring, have your system tested regularly.
•  A barking dog — even a small one — will deter most burglars. The noise draws attention, which is the last thing burglars want. However, dogs are never a proper deterrent. They only become scared like humans if strangers become threatening. It's not fair to your pup to rely on its canine bravado.
•  Reflective numbers outside on the front of your home will make it easy for police and ambulances to find your house in case of emergency.