Guard Dogs that Don't Guard

Reader Drew Smithfield submitted this video about guard dogs…who don’t actually guard. 

Drew is a security expert and knows a thing or two about effectiveness of guard dogs on deterring home intruders.  He had this to say:

“When we say a dog’s bark is bigger than its bite, we’re
usually speaking metaphorically – maybe about a pesky neighborhood bully or an
outwardly stern boss. The expression has come to represent someone or something
that’s far less forceful than it appears.

Rarely do we consider the phrase verbatim.

But around the animal kingdom, no animal abides by its own
idiom better than the canine (I struggle to believe curiosity has contributed
to more cat deaths than, say, old age, and skunks don’t have the tolerance or
fine motor skills to get drunk). Oddly enough, the dog, with its reputation for
protection and home security, often lacks the pluck or viciousness to stop a
potential intruder.

While research typically shows thieves are less likely to
target houses that keep a dog in the household, it’s not because of their
ferocity or aggression. It’s more often because of the perception of ferocity or aggression. Certain experts have even
dispelled the myths of select breeds – like the Rottweiler or the German
Sheppard – acting more aggressively, or making better guard dogs. In fact, some
argue that smaller dogs are better guardians, because of their highly energetic
nature.

Ultimately, the dog can play a role in home safety – it’s
just not the starring role. The protective benefit of having a guard dog is its
sensitive ears. Most dogs will react when they hear the creak of a doorknob or
muted footsteps. Once you’re alerted, it’s up to you and your home security
system to handle the bulk of the work.

So thank Fido, and feed him lots of treats. Just don’t
expect a virtuoso performance when the spotlight comes on.”

It’s not about the animals. It’s about the way animals make us feel. Watch the latest Animal Planet videos and full episodes. Surprisingly Human.

animal.discovery.com/videos/http://animal.discovery.com/videos/