Owners of affluent properties across the UK may consider investing in guard dogs, using this supposedly powerful deterrent to protect their property and assets. As Kate and Rio Ferdinand recently announced that they had invested a staggering £40,000 in two security dogs, this trend is likely to continue soaring in popularity; following Covid-19 we’re all feeling a little uncertain, making security an increasingly pertinent consideration.
However, whilst guard dogs are an indisputably visible deterrent, are they really effective in preventing break-ins? Perhaps not … I’m Kai Stok, the founder of Stok K9 Security Services; with years of experience protecting affluent properties and individuals across the country, I am well versed in the realities of guard dogs like the Ferdinands’. These dogs are kept like pets and whilst they are a deterrent, the impenetrable façade they help to create might not be as effective as we’d like to think … Purchasing guard dogs is a bold move and it certainly comes with a lot of hype, but underlying risks may also arise as a result. In my opinion, guard dogs like those owned by the Ferdinands are not an ideal security solution.
Why aren’t guard dogs faultlessly effective in preventing break-ins? Private guard dogs like the Ferdinands’ typically remain in the home, like any other pet. As a result, they feel increasingly comfortable and at ease; this familiarity can result in their unique skillsets becoming dampened or skewed. For example, they may become aggressive towards people you welcome into your home, taking their protective instincts to an undesirable level. Contrastingly, without ongoing training their instincts may become dampened amidst the familiarity and comfort of their environment. We are surrounded by countless stories in the press which tell of guard dogs harming children or neighbours; these risks, whilst incredibly rare, aren’t something you can afford to ignore.
Guard dogs like the Ferdinands’ are often chosen based on breed; specific dog breeds, for example rottweilers, are thought to be more protective by nature and, ultimately, lots of people are scared of them. I would like to emphasise that a dog’s breed does not determine its effectiveness as a security tool – training does. A guard dog should never just be ‘for show’; it must be able to protect you appropriately. This ability comes from skill-based learning alone.
If you are a recognisable figure, the owner of an affluent property or simply want to further protect your premises, then I would recommend that you invest in dog security services, as opposed to a guard dog or dogs. In doing so, you can trust that you’re investing in highly trained, specialist dogs. For example, at Stok K9 Security Services our dogs are trained in accordance with British Standards 8517-1. This training is ongoing, taking place every month to continuously hone their skills; after all, the responsiveness and effectiveness of a guard dog cannot be left to chance.
Meanwhile, trained security dogs are accompanied by vetted handlers. These patrol dog teams are very effective, both deterring and responding to criminality with confidence. Dog teams, such being a trained dog and handler, should always operate in accordance with the Guard Dogs Act 1975 and The Dangerous Dog Act 1991. These legislations allow security providers to use dogs when guarding a property, providing the dog is under control at all times with warning signs being displayed at every entrance. These guidelines have been created for good reason and by utilising the expertise of handlers you can ensure they’re adhered to – dog teams remove any uncertainty from the equation. You can trust that you’ll get the results you want without any risks.
Ultimately, security dogs better fulfil their purpose when they’re trained and supported by expert handlers. If you choose to invest in this team of security specialists, then you simultaneously embrace the handlers’ experience and the dogs’ unique, incomparable senses. Don’t fall victim to the ease or extravagance of simply buying a guard dog, this is a complex avenue to explore and, when done right, it can be outstandingly effective. Only by considering every factor, seeking credible advice and utilising a service which is tried and tested can you successfully secure your premises. The Ferdinands likely shared their news with the press to emphasise and showcase their new purchase, amplifying the dogs’ impact as a deterrent. However, in doing so they have made criminals aware of what to expect, potentially lessening their effectiveness … don’t put your time and money into a show, instead have qualified security personnel (including an extensively trained dog) patrol your premises with authority and reliability.
If you feel that you need the security of trained dogs then you ought to consider the efficacy of your wider security system. Dogs and their handlers should be an addition to an already effective security system. For example, do you have high quality CCTV cameras in place? Are they installed in safe locations? If you’re willing to invest in dog security then it’s important to make sure that every prior component is successful in helping to protect your property.
Before investing in any security measure, speak to an expert. Don’t fall victim to the media whirlwind that can surround current trends or the supposedly countless benefits of guard dogs. Do your research and invest accordingly; the right services will reap endless benefits.
Visit www.stokk9services.com.
