Dogs are man's best friend for a reason. Anyone with a beloved furbaby will tell you... the bond is real. One of the ways your furry friend may show his love is by alerting you to the presence of an unwanted visitor. BUT is Fido really enough to keep your home from being burglarized? Here are some things to consider when using your dog as a burglar deterrent.

Do dogs really act as a burglar deterrent?

The short answer is yes, they do! Your pup has an acute set of senses and is not bothered by using his loving, loud voice to notify you when he isn't a fan of someone. But is persistent barking and the threat of a less-than-playful pup enough to keep the burglars at bay? Here's what a few sources had to say:

• The Guardian posted an article which highlighted a study of 12 burglars. Those interviewed “named loud barking dogs, strong heavy doors, a TV being switched on and locked UPVC windows as the next most likely to put them off breaking into a home.”
• An investigative report by KGW8 out of Oregon surveyed 86 burglars. The study concluded that if “a homeowner had a big, loud dog most burglars would stay away.” One of the convicted burglars even said, “dogs are a deal breaker for me…Big breeds, home protectors are the best to keep people out.”
• Career burglar Jack Black revealed in his memoir that dogs wreak havoc on a burglar’s well-laid plans: “Dogs, young or old, are the bane of the burglar’s life.”
• A story by the Miami Herald touted the benefits of dogs for burglary prevention in a report which interviewed a K-9 services expert. Tony Guzman, a specialist with three decades of experience said, “For deterrence, there’s nothing like a canine. It’s the fear factor…They just fold up when a canine shows up.”

Rest easy knowing that all the love you have for your canine companion is well-deserved!

The role of dogs in a burglary situation

Let's dig a little deeper. Lassie may deter a burglary, but the chances are she won't stop one. Here's a little burglar deterrent analogy to keep in mind: Dogs are to burglaries as citations are to speeders. Most people don't want to be slapped with a fine for breaking the speed limit, but anyone determined to drive above the posted speed won't be stopped by the possibility of a citation.

They'll just be smart about how, where, and when they accelerate. Similarly, dogs do not act as guaranteed prevention.  Here are a couple of stories that highlight when dogs aren't enough for burglary deterrence.

• When burglars are truly determined, dogs may not be enough to stave off a burglary. One recent story out of Norfolk, Virginia details a break-in where the offenders attempted to spray her dogs with ammonia during the course of the break-in.
• Another investigation from KGW3 highlighted a study where a fake intruder entered a home with dogs to test their reaction. In all cases, the dogs acknowledged the entrance of the intruder by barking or growling, but then retreated. Your furry friend may pack a mean bark, but is it enough?

Choose the right burglar deterrent combo

The optimal solution for deterring burglars is to mix your favorite canine with a monitored security system. While man's best friend does act as a solid burglar deterrent, Fido can't help much once a break-in actually takes place. A monitored security system constantly has a watchful eye on your home. When triggered, a near-deafening alarm sounds and emergency services can be dispatched at a moment's notice. Take the necessary steps to protect your furry friend and your home by opting for both.