Traditional security procedures can only do so much. CCTV cameras, alarms, and security systems can be incredibly helpful, but on their own, they can also be limited. That’s where security dogs come in.
Dogs have unique abilities that make them invaluable assets for security. Their keen senses, natural instincts, and loyalty make them experts at sniffing out danger. They can detect threats before humans can, patrol large areas, and deter intruders with their commanding presence.
In this guide, we’ll talk about the many benefits of choosing a security dog to protect your home, business, or property.
Heightened Senses for Enhanced Threat Detection Security Dogs
Security dogs can sense things humans can’t. Here’s how their heightened senses can help with threat detection.
- Unmatched Hearing: Dogs can hear sounds at frequencies far beyond the human range, making them incredibly sensitive to even the slightest noises. They can hear sounds up to 70,000–100,000 Hz, while humans can only hear 20,000 Hz. This allows them to detect potential threats that might go unnoticed by other security measures.
- Exceptional Scent: Dogs’ noses are thousands of times more sensitive than ours, which allows them to detect subtle odours that could indicate danger. They have 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses. That means they can sniff out concealed weapons, explosives, and intruders hiding in hard-to-see areas.
- Acute Vision: Dogs have excellent night vision and can spot movement in low-light conditions that would be invisible to humans. This makes them ideal for patrolling large properties and detecting intruders at night. They also see in higher contrast, have better night vision, can track movement much faster, and have a wider peripheral vision.
- Instinctive Awareness: In addition to their heightened senses, dogs have an innate ability to sense when something is amiss. They can pick up on subtle environmental cues that might signal a threat, such as changes in behaviour or unusual sounds.
Deterrent Effect on Criminals Security Dogs
The mere presence of a trained dog can be enough to deter potential criminals.
Dogs are natural predators, and their imposing size and protective instincts often instil fear in even the most expert thieves. That’s because most humans have an innate instinct to avoid confrontation with a potentially dangerous animal.
Other security measures like CCTV cameras or alarms can be bypassed or disabled. Meanwhile, security dogs are a living, breathing deterrent. Criminals know that dogs are unpredictable and can react aggressively to threats, so they typically avoid the risk. A 2022 study found that neighbourhoods with more dogs have lower crime rates. Specifically, robbery rates in these areas are two-thirds lower, and homicide rates are half compared to neighbourhoods with fewer dogs.
Security dogs are highly visible, and you can strategically place them around a property to create a sense of supervision. Seeing a dog patrolling the perimeter sends a clear message to criminals that their presence is not welcome.
Plus, security dogs are a completely personalisedd part of your protection. They can form strong bonds and become trusted companions, so you’ll sleep with a sense of comfort and security you can’t replicate with technology alone.
Quick Response and Versatile Protection
Security dogs offer a level of immediate response that technology simply can’t match. Alarms or surveillance systems require human intervention to investigate threats. Meanwhile, dogs can act swiftly and decisively to protect their property without any help from the owner.
Plus, they’re tireless patrolmen. Their endurance and stamina allow them to cover more ground than human guards. If you want to protect large properties or remote locations, a security dog may be the way to go.
More importantly, security dogs are versatile – able to adapt to all kinds of situations. They can patrol perimeters, guard entrances, and respond to threats both indoors and outdoors. This adaptability is exactly why they should be a part of your security team.
Lastly, dogs react much faster than humans, mainly because they hear the danger before it reaches them. They have about 18 muscles controlling their outer ears, compared to only 6 in humans. This allows dogs to tilt, rotate, and move their ears independently to pinpoint the exact location of a sound.
Loyal Companionship for Security Guards
Security dogs aren’t meant to replace other security methods or work independently. They perform best alongside human guards, increasing their safety and effectiveness. Working with a security dog makes guards feel more confident and secure in their duties.
Dogs are natural protectors, and their presence can deter potential criminals. Seeing a guard accompanied by a dog can be enough to discourage an intruder.
Plus, dogs can detect threats that humans might miss, such as hidden weapons or suspicious activity. They can sniff out the danger and alert their human counterpart, who will take the necessary steps.
The companionship of a security dog can also positively impact the morale of human guards. It creates a sense of camaraderie and support, making the job much more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Proven Track Record in Various Scenarios
Security dogs have a long history of successfully protecting properties and deterring crime. They’ve proven their worth time and again, which is why they’re part of some of the best security teams around the world.
They’re not just impeccable at preventing petty theft and do a great job of sniffing out more serious dangers, such as weapons or drugs. When trained correctly, they can be a crucial part of any high-performing security team.
Beyond just protection from crimes, security dogs can also prevent disease spread. In 2020, Australian researchers trained security dogs to detect COVID-19 infections with a 92–99% accuracy rate. These dogs were deployed in airports to screen passengers before they got on the plane.
If you have a commercial or residential property to protect in Queensland, Australia, there’s no shortage of reliable security teams available. You can work with Security Guards Queensland for the protection of their trained security guards and dogs.
Conclusion
Traditional security methods, when used independently, can be easily outsmarted or ignored. Security dogs are the opposite – smart, trained, and potentially dangerous creatures whose presence is enough to deter intruders.
Not only do they deter criminals, but they also detect threats much faster than humans. When paired with human security guards, they make a great team that can protect your property from any kind of threat.
Contact Security Guards Queensland today to hire a reliable security team with security dogs.