Archive for March, 2010

PostHeaderIcon Top 10 Best Guard Dogs


Before you invest in a dog for home security, there are a few things you might want to consider in a canine companion that you may not be able to tell from just looking at them. The following dogs are listed from most to least effective guard dogs based on bulk, aggressiveness, strength, courage, territorial sense and resistance to counterattack.
1. Bullmastiff Both bulky and intimidating to intruders, this strong and powerful animal possesses great intelligence and keenness to please its owner, making it the ideal candidate for a guard dog. While fearless and independent, the Bullmastiff is fiercely loyal and sweet-natured with his family.
2. Doberman Pinscher The Doberman Pinscher’s energy, watchfulness and fearlessness makes him ready to give prompt alarm at any sign of danger. On top of this, he remains obedient, affectionate and loyal, making him a natural at home security.
3. Rottweiler Both intelligent and loyal, Rottweilers are inherent protectors. Although loving with family and friends, they are also extremely territorial and do not welcome strangers without a proper introduction.
4. Komondor Known to many as a “mop dog,” the Komondor is useful for a lot more than cleaning floors. Strong, dignified and courageous, the protective cords of his coat cover his body in case of attack. The Komondor is reserved and skeptical of strangers, but playful and caring with the ones he loves.
5. Puli Another of the “mop”class, the Puli’s loyalty and obedience makes him naturally protective of his family.
6. Giant Schnauzer A larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer, the Giant makes for an ideal guard dog due to his intelligence, strong territorial sense and love for his people. Without proper introduction, the Giant Schnauzer can make for a formidable foe.
7. German Shepherd It only makes sense that the world’s leading police and military dog would be a pro at home security. Strong, muscular and fearless, the German Shepherd also makes for a loving family dog and is very fond of children after establishing a relationship.
8. Rhodesian Ridgeback Originally bred to hunt lions and otherwise known as the African Lion Hound, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can bring a lot to the table in a fight. Apart from this fact, they tend to be oversized lap dogs and are trustworthy with children.
9. Kuvasz Typically used as a livestock guard, this bold, courageous and fearless animal knows how to act at the right moment without instruction. Although his devotion and loyalty to his family makes him a great guard dog, his affections are lacking in comparison with some of the other dogs listed.
10. American Staffordshire Terrier Athletic, courageous and strong, the American Staffordshire Terrier is also a “people” dog and is extremely obedient. While typically friendly, the breed will surely protect his family from any threat.
After reading this list, it’s clear to see that there are more important things that pure size and appearance when it comes to finding the ideal guard dog. Of course it goes without saying that before anything, a dog is a companion and family member so it would be well-advised to keep one only as back-up security and install a home alarm system.

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PostHeaderIcon Home Security: Did You Know…


Did you know that crimes against property, like burglary and home invasion, happen once every three seconds in the United States? Or that, if you live in a single-family home, your house is twice as likely to be burglarized as a home in an apartment building? Sure, these are just statistics. That is, until you become a part of them. Not only is burglary one of the most common crimes in America, it is also one of the most easily preventable. Don’t let yourself become a statistic; take action now to protect your home security.

When it comes to home security, many people have a blasé attitude towards protecting themselves against intruders, thinking it could never happen to them. But with crimes like burglary and home invasion on the rise, it is happening to more and more people every year. And that is why it is now more important than ever to take the necessary precautions to guard against such dangers, even in neighborhoods and areas that were once considered to be safe.
Did you know that there are things you can do yourself to increase your home security, without even the professional help of a security company or alarm system? For example, having a dog, even a small, essentially harmless one, can help you ward off burglars, since being seen-or heard-is one of the things burglars are most afraid of.
Another thing you can do to improve your home security is to give impression that there is someone home, even when you leave the house. Burglars tend to target empty homes, so if you make it seem like there’s someone inside; they are most likely to choose a different target. When you go to work or leave for vacation, avoid tipping off potential burglars to the fact that you’re out of the house. To do this, try not to get in the habit of doing certain things only when you are home, and vice versa.
For example, leave a radio and some lights on when you’re out, and turn down the volume on your phone, so that potential burglars won’t be able to tell if it rings without being answered. It is also smart to keep things like window treatments and garage doors closed at all times so that it is harder to tell if there are people or cars inside. If open always means “home” and down always means “away,” it will be very easy for a potential burglar to detect a pattern.
Other DIY home security measures include things like changing handle locks and deadbolts on all doors when moving into a new home, keeping the exterior of your home well-lit and void of any bulky shrubbery or tall trees that can give potential intruders places to hide or ways to climb up the side of the house and gain access through the upstairs, and giving a spare key to a trusted neighbor or friend instead of hiding it under the door mat or in some other obvious location on your property where it is easy to find. The key is to pay attention to details and not be careless.

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PostHeaderIcon Home Security Systems 101


The home security market has something for everyone with security options from shoe string budget burglar alarms to sophisticated surveillance systems. Choose from a simple do-it-yourself set up or a professionally installed system, complete with monthly monitoring devices. The amount you wish to spend on your security system is determined by your needs, and the home market security suppliers have created devices to cover the entire property or individual doors and windows as they are needed.
Outdoor Systems.
The outdoor security systems are designed to cover the exterior of the home and may also be used to cover the property grounds. The most popular device is an automatic outdoor lighting system, which can be programmed to register and alert with a motion sensor component. You will program the unit to identify a certain height, thus eliminating a false alarm when your dog or cats struts through the yard.
The advantage to the outdoor sensor lights is to stop the burglary attempt before the criminal has a chance to get near the doors and windows. The flood lights will illuminate when alerted, and in most cases, drive away the intruder before he makes contact with the house. However, remember that many burglaries occur during the daytime hours when the thieves know the occupants will be away. So the flood light system should be reinforced with a secondary alarm, especially in the backyard or other areas of the property that cannot be seen from the street.
In addition to the flood light security system, you may wish to be alerted with sound. Doorway chimes are a cost efficient means to send an audible signal when someone approaches your driveway, backyard or stands in the doorway. You may program this annunciation system to send you a sound or voice signal when motion is detected, and this easy to use system may be placed anywhere on the property to do its job.
Indoor Systems.
The complete home monitoring devices are linked to a live desk with 24/7 response units ready to assist you with a security breach or medical emergency. And although the monitoring systems are comprehensive and keep you connected with help, they can be costly with the monthly monitoring fees. Before signing up with a monitoring company, be sure you have read the fine print and are comfortable with the minimum contractual agreement. The home security centers are effective, but not without flaw. Your monitoring service may be interrupted with a power outage or temporary disconnection from the telephone lines.
Home owners located in regions where weather conditions such as high winds or thunder storms may interfere with an electric security system may opt for the battery powered units. These easy to install individual pieces are applied to doors and windows as needed and deliver a powerful alert signal when the motion sensor is triggered. And with no monthly fees or professional installation charges, the battery operated security device remains one of the most cost effective and easy to use home security systems on the market.

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