As the debate on gun control continues the question of how to protect your home from intruders remains. And dog trainers say your furry four-legged friend can be a great security alternative.
Carol Sigona trained dogs on security and home protection for 30 years.
Dogs offer love and companionship to a family but Sigona says they are also a great line of defense against an intruder - they can be the first alarm.
"You can get a small/medium dog, they're very alert, very alert to sound and to movement outside the house" said Sigona.
If you're looking for some protection with a little more teeth a working or herding breed would be your go to pooch.
"Shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweiler's, Great Danes," said Sigona.
"The dog can't be so vicious, so suspicious that he's going to attack people as they walk by the house," said Sergeant Rob Flores with BPD.
Flores says dog owners have to be responsible for their pets but if you feel your life is in jeopardy you can do what ever is necessary to protect yourself.
"If that means you alert the dog and put the dog on a person trying to hurt you, you're clear to do so," said Flores.
For a dog to be able to protect your loved ones Sigona says it all begins with obedience training.
"A dog is going to protect it's home, what they need to do is obedience train the dog, what they need to do is be able to control the dog," said Sigona.
One class in dog obedience training can cost around $150 but Carol Sigona says after learning the basics and practicing them at home, those fundamentals should stick with the dog after just one class.
