Do you think dogs really deter intruders?

Question

Do you think that having a dog in your house would make someone think twice about breaking into your home? If the dog is inside and barks when someone is outside. What are your opinions?

If so bigger dogs or the little yappy dogs? I am not asking about guard dogs here just watch dogs.

Answer 1

With seven dogs and five over a hundred pounds, I have trouble getting people in my house that have been invited. Even though my dogs are well trained the first question I get is "Are the dogs out?" People are intimidated by dogs, even little ones. I once saw a show about a guy that broke into peoples homes and was now showing homeowners where they made their mistakes. He said the main reason burglars avoided houses with dogs wasn't fear of the dog but, that the dog could alert the owners. Many owners have guns for protection. I guess it doesn't matter the size of the dog, just his bark?

Answer 2

Absolutely. Any house that has a big dog in it would present a challenge to a burglar. A big dog barking does deter MOST people with ulterior motives. The only problem is I have with this is that there are some people who might test that big dog barking. It tends to give some people a false sense of security. So, with that being said, I want a dog that is also able to back up that barking with action, should that burglar decide to test it. I have only been broken into once, about 20 years ago, and to this day I thank God that I had a dog that could do more then bark. The gentleman that ATTEMPTED the break in, got about 5 feet in the house before he found out, the hard way, that a change in a profession would be a better idea then doing this for a living. A very long time ago, a guy that had been doing K-9 for a long time, told me that that a dog could teach more to a burglar in 3 minutes, then 5 years in prison ever could. Oh, and one last thing, before anybody starts to scream. I would much rather get sued by a burglar, then actually have someone break into my house and harm my two children.

Answer 3

Yes, I think dogs would deter an intruder. Not the little yappy dogs, but bigger dogs. It doesn't really matter what the dog's personality is like.

I used to live in a very, very bad neighborhood. Every single house on my block had been broken into repeatedly. But not ours, and we were the only ones with a big dog. Never mind that our big dog wouldn't have done a thing had someone broken into the house. But I do think that the dog's prescence was definately a deterent. Especially if the dog sounds big and mean.

Answer 4

Last year, a salesman came to our door selling security systems. When I met him at the door, I had a 150 lb Great Dane on each side of me, and 2 more behind me. After listening to the usual sales pitch, I asked him "do you really think I need a security system?" Departure of one salesman.

Though there have been a number of break-ins in the area, we have never had a problem, even though everyone knows the house is full of antiques. The roar of a Dane can rattle the windows, but I'm sure even a tiny dog would deter burglars. Just the barking alone alerts everyone that something is going on. I don't think you can get better theft protection.

Answer 5

I have four medium to large dogs on my property.

When Fed Ex, the Mail man, UPS or other non-uniformed persons come to my house, the dogs surround the vehicles like a wagon train. No one will get out of their vehicle until I've come out to escort them or pick up my package or mail from them.

YES. Dogs really do deter intruders. Intruders do not know what your dog is trained to do or not to do. Most people are afraid of big dogs anyway. But ... Dynamite can come in small packages, too. I had a pekingese that was the baddest. She would clamp on someone's leg and wouldn't let go until I told her to. She might not have been as scary as the big ones, but she did the most damage.

If the dog has a big rough bark... I'd say, that from being outside, not knowing what's inside... I wouldn't want to risk the dog's behavior.

Yes. Dogs are great deterrents. Too bad that the insurance companies don't see it that way.

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Answer 6

I wouldn't want to break into a house where there was a dog barking like crazy, would you?

I think it definitely makes a difference on what kind of dog - A deep bark from a large dog is a lot more intimidating then a little yap from a small dog.

Answer 7

well, many intruders are tring to get in and then out without being noticed. if any dog starts barking they are probably going to be noticed so they will move on to an easier target.

for armed hom invasions where the bad guys come after the people in the house, only a very big, very scary dog is going to deter one of them.

but for everyone saying a lab would be a deterrent...yeah right. if that burglar knows anything about dog breeds he won't be intimidated. 99% of labs would try to lick the burglar to death. one of the previous posters mentioned the "it takes a thief" show. the thief did successfully break into homes with dogs. in one, he broke into the house and the dogs (lab mixes) just followed him around wagging their tails. in the other, he brought some treats and distracted the dog at one door so he could get in through the other.

usually the criminals with scout out the house before they try to break in, so they will probably see the dogs. would you want to break into a house with a big, alert dog?

my dog (huskyXpit bull) sounds totally ferocious when he hears someone on the other side of the door he doesn't recognize. now, he calms down when i tell him to be quiet, but i seriously doubt anyone would come through my door after hearing him. he weighs 60lbs but sounds twice that big. he is very alert and will give a warning bark if he hears anything unusual outside.

Answer 8

I have a 35 pound dog who loves my son-if she thinks she hears something she barks and growls and hits the back door full speed. I doubt that someone not knowing her would try to move past her. But once you get in she is all wags and kisses. The funny thing is she only acts this way if my son and I are home-if my hubby is home alone with her she will let people walk in the backdoor!

Answer 9

Our dachshund has the most incredible hearing and could wake the dead with her barking. She'd get an intruder's ankles or at least trip him. Then he'd have to get past the shepherds.

Yes, I certainly do think they're a deterrent. As someone mentioned, it's the ability to alert the home owner's that someone is there.

Answer 10

Yes, any dog that barks.

One time I was moving from a house. I had everything packed in boxes. The first thing I moved was the dogs. When I returned, the house had been broken into.