Is a Dog a Theft Deterrent?
Do you believe your dog is a factor in deterring theft? Being an owner of two larger dogs, I have my opinions, but let’s look at what some others and the data say to help determine if a dog is an effective deterrent to break-ins.
A web site called Burglar Free Zone had this to say, “… dog’s early relationship with humans was one of protection. The role of a domesticated canine was to protect its owners against other human intruders and wild animals. Dogs are territorial by nature, but that doesn’t mean all dogs will deter burglars. In fact, some animals are naturally passive, especially with humans. These types will welcome any stranger into their space, particularly those who offer food. So, the answer to the question, ‘do dogs deter burglars,’ is contingent on the type of dog, its temperament and its training.”
I found a survey done by an Oregon radio station which did an investigative report asking 86 convicted burglars their thoughts on targeting a residence. The report concluded that if a homeowner had a big, loud dog most burglars would stay away.
It’s kind of intuitive that larger dogs with bigger, deeper barks are more effective at making thieves think twice, however I remember a survey done years ago which concluded that small yappy dogs can also be an effective deterrent. What deters the thief in this case is that the homeowner has been alerted something is amiss. Thieves like to work undetected.
Bob Vila, the renowned home renovation expert, has on his web site: “According to home security giant ADT, dogs protect your home in a number of ways: Noise, physical barriers, and intimidation are all part of the equation. Alert barking can scare off a burglar or let the neighbors know something is amiss.
Clever burglars use concealed entries, speed, and silence to get their jobs done quickly. Burglars interviewed in a series of reports on increasing levels of crime indicate that a loud, barking dog is the deal breaker for them—the combination of attention-grabbing sound and the unpredictability of a dog’s actions will almost always cause the burglar to move on. This is why some of the best watch dogs (dogs who alert their owners to potential trouble) have a loud, full bark, even if the stature of the dog itself isn’t terribly imposing.”
Although I could not find the study itself, I did find reference to a study that dogs instinctively bark at an unfamiliar face. It was said that 94.9% will bark at someone they don’t know.
From North K9 Edge, a US dog training company: “The Department of Justice reported that burglarized houses are less likely to have dogs than are non- burglarized houses, suggesting that dog ownership is a substantial deterrent.”
North K9 Edge’s business is training guard dogs: “A guard dog is basically trained to keep any intruder out except the handler or the owner. Guard dogs are trained to protect property aggressively and are usually not kept with the family or in the home. These dogs will be a strong crime deterrent but also present a considerable liability risk if not 100% controlled at all times.”
Most people are not going to have specially trained guard dogs, but if you do want to employ them, there are extremely well- trained guard dogs that can be kept in the home which are trained to accept parties and other situations where people are coming and going. It will take perhaps 1000 hours or more of training, so these dogs don’t come cheap. However, if you have a lot of valuable stuff/heirlooms that are worth protecting, or just want the personal security of feeling better protected, then maybe the investment in this kind of dog is worth it.
Given all of the above, a dog can definitely be a theft deterrent; its effectiveness dependent upon the breed, training, and the dog’s own temperament. You can enhance your home’s protection if you couple a dog with other security options. By adding an alarm system, motion lights, and security gates you are getting closer to the holy grail of a thief-proof home.
Of our two dogs, one has been to obedience school, the other has not. Guess which one is the better guard dog. In all fairness to the one in second place, there are other factors. Together I do believe they make a fairly effective theft deterrent.
Dave Schroeder
HCRCWA Board Member
