Do I Need A Security System If I Have A Dog?

Just about everyone is happy to see a dog—except for intruders, that is.

When an intruder has a choice between a home with a dog and a home without a dog, the dog-free house will typically end up as the target.

Does that mean that you should forgo a security system because you own a dog? Not exactly. Let’s compare the two and see.

1. How reliably do dogs alert you to trouble?

Dogs have amazing senses, with their sharp ears and superior scents-ability. Much like a security system, a dog can alert you right away to an intruder on your property. The downside of this is, to your dog, many everyday visitors count as intruders.

“Cat!” “Mail carrier!” “Neighbor!” They’re all excuses for Fido to start barking.

A smart home security system does it better. Like a dog, it’s proactive when an intruder is detected—but it’s far better at discerning a genuine intruder from a harmless everyday event, thanks to its use of intelligence from all around the home.

Equally important, if there’s a break-in, a One SmartHome-powered security system can alert a 24-7 monitoring station for professional help.

The verdict: Until dogs get their own dedicated cellular connections, smart home security wins this round.

2. How well do they keep intruders out?

intruders avoid homes with security systems. According to Alarm.com, 60 percent will go elsewhere if they see one. Add a smart security camera and you have a great deterrent.

Of course, most intruders don’t want to meet your dog, either. Should they spot dog toys in the yard or hear muffled barking, many will move along.

Deterrence aside, though, there are some things a dog can’t help with. For example, one-third of all burglaries are cases of unlawful entry—an intruder entering through an unlocked door or window. With proactive reminders and remote locking, a One SmartHome-powered security system can save the day when you’re in a rush and forget to secure the house.

Winner: Dogs and security systems are both great deterrents, but a dog can’t send you a smartphone alert if you forget to lock up. Smart home security wins this round.

3. Which one is more fun?

You can have fun with a smart home security system. Checking in on your kids and pets from work is fun; so is showing off your smart lights and smart thermostats.

Let’s be real though: it’ll never take the place of that furry, wiggling, licking goofball that always loves you, no matter what.

Winner: Sorry, security system—this one goes to the dog.

Want to improve your canine-based home security by installing a smart home security system? Learn more at Onecomm.bm/smarthome