… she can install my security system…

She brings up lots of good points. I just had an security system installed (Monitronics). For years I relied on my 2 Doberman Pinschers for security and they have done a great job. They once scared off an attempted break in. I recently decided on the alarm system because my dogs are getting old and won’t be around much longer. Love dogs but I’m now too busy to deal with again after they die. I also have guns and CCTV system too. Along with my dogs, guns, and CCTV, I also had “fake” sign too.

I’ve seen reports (PBS) that a dog is 4x more effective than an alarm system in deterring intruders. Simply: burglars see dogs when they scope a house; they often won’t see an alarm. Second, intruders don’t want conflict. A dog barks, an intruder runs. Alarms still give intruders a chance to come inside the house – a dog has to be dealt with.

I’m not bad mouthing alarm systems, but you shouldn’t bad mouth (trained!) dogs.

FWIW: I just put up a video for a $7-per-door simple alarm system.