A dog is man’s best friend. But for burglars, a dog can be a sorry surprise. People have been using dogs to protect their homes for many generations. However, there’s a significant difference between the various types of dog people might choose for this purpose, and the roles of these dogs in keeping you safe. Here’s some advice for determining whether to go with a guard dog or an attack dog.

What’s the Difference between Guard Dogs and Attack Dogs?

It’s important you know the difference between a guard dog and an attack dog before you make any decisions for you and your family. A guard dog is typically a larger breed that will watch over your property. Guard dogs get upset when unfamiliar people enter their territory, and will intimidate, or attack intruders. Attack dogs are specialized breeds, such as German shepherds, that can be trained to obey specific attack commands. Attack dogs require intensive training from a professional, and will cost more than a guard dog. If these options appeal to you, most breeds can serve as watchdogs—as they will generally bark when they notice a stranger lurking around your house. Guard dogs and attack dogs are ideal for individuals who desire an extra level of protection.

How Remote Is Your Home?

Where you live is going to play an important role in determining if it’s better for you to get a guard dog or an attack dog. If you live in a city or neighborhood, having a super territorial guard dog might not be the best option. There are a few things that can go wrong in this scenario. First, it’s possible that the dog will attack a visitor to your property if it misinterprets their presence as a threat. Additionally, guard dogs sometimes escape and attack people walking down the sidewalk, or on their own property. This can be a huge liability for you. If you’re going to have a guard dog in a populated area, make sure you compare the best homeowners insurance plans to protect yourself. Make sure your guard dog has a secure enclosure. Otherwise, you could have a major lawsuit on your hands.

Many people in cities like to have guard dogs in their homes or yards because they can be a deterrent for potential burglars. Walking with a dog at night can also make muggers think twice before trying to rob you. Just don’t let your guard dog get too comfortable with being aggressive. Take it to training classes to lower the chances of it harming an innocent person. For many people, a watchdog might actually be the better option in the city, as they will still bark to alert you if someone is trying to enter your apartment or home. Smaller breeds also require less exercise and take up less space in an apartment.

When Should You Get an Attack Dog?

Many people are intimidated by the term “attack dog” because the name sounds so aggressive. Due to this, some make the assumption that they are more dangerous than guard dogs. This, however, is largely a misnomer. Police work is one of the most common fields for attack dogs. Maybe you’ve had a chance to pet a police dog when it’s not working. They are typically highly obedient and nice. Attack dogs are almost always a better than guard dogs when it comes to their behavior. Dogs that have received specific attack training won’t act without a command from their owner. Plus, they also stop attacking on command. This is much better than guard dogs, which, even when well-trained, might attack the wrong person, and often can’t be stopped. The only drawback is that it’s more expensive to get an attack dog than a guard dog because so much time and effort goes into their training. If you want a dog for protective purposes, and you can afford a trained attack dog, that’s probably your best option regardless of circumstances.

There are a few reasons people feel compelled to get a dog for personal protection. Guard dogs and attack dogs both have their merits for different situations. Just make sure you prepare your property and do some research before bringing a new pooch home with you.