Guard dog security can be a highly effective defence solution for businesses large and small, especially when combined with a professional handler. Let’s face it, nothing deters ‘would-be intruders’ more than the presence of a fully trained guard dog, but what else do they bring to a security strategy, and how can they help you?
A guard dog or watchdog is not to be confused with an attack dog. The term refers to a dog used for the purpose of protecting premises, assets or people. Breeds can vary considerably depending on the level of protection you need, but common types include:
- German Shepherds
- Dobermans
- Akitas
- Rottweilers
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks
With their impeccable sense of smell and hearing, a trained dog can pick up the presence of an intruder long before a human can, yet they are also undeterred by trespassers, thieves, vandals and “would-be intruders”. Of course, a dog’s personality traits are always going to be far more important in allowing it to progress through strict training programmes, and a dog must also have a happy lifestyle and a strong bond with its owner. Below, we’ve added some of the key reasons why many businesses depend on guard dogs to protect their premises.
Guard dogs can easily cover larger sites
Guard dogs are regularly deployed to cover wide open spaces, protecting very large sites, especially those that have CCTV blind spots. Rather than investing in hundreds of cameras or several full-time security officers, you can ensure maximum coverage with regular guard dog patrols. If your property is large, this is a no-brainer when it comes to keeping your assets safe, and it’s a very cost-effective solution.
Reassure your people that you care about their safety
A security dog’s hearing can be up to four times more sensitive than a human’s, whilst their smell is accurate enough to detect drugs and explosives. They are also always attentive and able to run up to 45 miles per hour. As a result, with just one guard dog you can keep your staff well-protected around the clock, helping them feel safe, happy and respected. This is especially important for lone workers. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1979 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers have a duty of care towards lone workers’ health and safety — “as far as is reasonably practicable”.
The highest level of protection
If you have a series of high-value assets that require ultimate protection, guard dog patrols can prove to be a wise investment. Mobile patrols offer so much more than the first line of defence against prospective thieves and vandals; they help to ensure business owners sleep safely every night in the knowledge a trained dog and handler is patrolling their premises and guarding their invaluable assets. You can, as a result, drastically reduce costs and increase your return on investment.
Unmatched by new technology
Guard dog patrols have been occurring for hundreds of years, protecting people, property and goods; however, canine security has evolved greatly, especially over the last decade. Nowadays, handlers are more mobile and involved in the process of patrolling large sites, going through comprehensive training. When you combine a top-quality trainer with the speed, strength, obedience, courage, loyalty, and pain resistance of patrol dogs, you are well-protected.
A fully trained security handler and canine really are “the best of friends” and are equipped to manage any eventuality. Whether you work in a high-risk industry, wish to protect a high-profile individual or need to implement counter tactics to combat threats that have occurred in the past, dog patrols can increase the efficiency of your security operations in a way that cameras, signs, and alarms cannot.
Deter issues before they occur
As is the case with a modern CCTV system, which is also a great addition to a security strategy, guard dogs can make both audible and visual signals when they sense a threat. This means that any opportunist criminals will think twice before they even attempt to set foot on your site.
A loyal and trustworthy part of your workforce
While it may be true that certain breeds have a natural ability to protect, the unique personality of the dog is very important. When you decide to boost security with dog patrols, both the guard dog and their handler become an important part of your team, whilst they are excellent companions and can physically protect your people, delivering a level of security that alarms can’t match up to.
Training is tailored for specific situations
Whether you require guard dog patrols for a one-off event, VIP security, farm security, explosives detection or lone worker protection, you can find the right dog and handler for your requirements.
Why choose Intraguard?
As an ACS-accredited company, we remain up to speed with new training techniques for dependable dogs and their handlers. You get so much more than an effective audio and visual deterrent for trespassers, opportunistic thieves and vandals. We work closely with you to create a solution that meets your needs and maximises protection for your property, people and assets. Our guard dogs are highly trained to deliver a first line of defence to
industrial sites, farms, business parks, warehouses, building sites, plants and other large commercial spaces. We pride ourselves on being genuine, friendly, reliable, multi-skilled and able to deliver high-quality customer service to all our clients.
If you’d like to learn more about our guard dog patrolling solutions or wish to tell us more about your needs, please call us today on 0207 183 5016 or send us a message, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.