Dogs"Police Dog Patrol Officer Block today reported the fourth burglary suspect caught in a week by her dog, Max. Officer Block said she was cruising in the area of a burglary at the Southside Liquor Store about 2:30 A.M., when she saw two suspects running, arms loaded with bottles. She said that when she shouted for them to halt, one stopped, but the other continued running. She sent Max after the man. Max quickly overtook the suspect and brought him down."
--Chicago PD
Convicted rapists and burglars suggest a dog is an effective deterrent to crime. They have considerably better-developed senses of hearing and smell than do people, and they can detect the presence of would-be intruders well ahead of human beings. Criminals know that most dogs rarely hesitate to attack, whatever the odds, in defense of their owner's and their own territory. [Remember, you don't really OWN your home and vehicle; your dog just lets you use them!]
If you have a dog, it needs walks, attention, care, food, water and lots of loving. Your special relationship will reinforce your dog's natural desire to protect you from harm. Even dogs that are usually absolute "sweethearts" may turn into protective attack dogs when they sense danger. NEVER underestimate what your dog will do to protect you.
When considering a yard dog vs. a house dog (though personally I don't think there should be a difference), a yard dog can be a good deterrent, but the inside dog is there to keep your house safe if anyone breaks in--or tries to. Yard dogs also are more susceptible to being poisoned or set loose. Frankly, I believe if you own a dog, it belongs in the house, not outside...especially at night. This excludes dogs who spend the day wandering Mel's farm and such places and then come home for dinner and pass out in front of ye olde fireplace. :)
The breed of dog is a personal thing. Having had two Black Labs for the last 23 years straight, I wouldn't have any other dog. They are gentle, sweet, lovable, far better with kids than I am...and would attack anyone trying to hurt you in a second, without warning. Females are even more protective than males. Other good dogs for that reason are German shepherds, Dobermans and Rottweilers, all of which are very nice dogs but very protective.
All dogs, being evolved from wolves, are nocturnal. So, while you're sleeping, they might start being asleep, but they will prowl the house during the night. Another good reason to have nightlights or leave a light on.
And now, of course, you have specialized police dogs that are trained for a variety of purposes: finding drugs, bombs, cadavers and other oddities. But the normal dog owner should not consider a security-trained dog. You are getting a member of the family, not an army. Get a Lab, feed it, walk it, play with it, water it, love and cuddle it, and that will be your best friend for life.
