Here’s what you need to know about the top dogs for home security

Man’s best friend possesses senses far more powerful than their human counterpart, but without adequate training these may end up proving useless when your family’s safety is put at risk.

Or worse, an untrained canine can become dangerous to both friend and foe.

But where do you start when it comes to choosing the correct dog, and where do you go for proper training?

Local experts urge owners to be mindful of the needs of a working breed canine to ensure it is capable of distinguishing between friend and foe.

Umhlali Saps K9 Unit’s search and rescue officer, Sergeant Clinton Odayar said an excellent choice is a German Shepherd – a breed which originated in Germany in 1899, originally intended for herding and guarding sheep.

Strong, intelligent and possessing a clear ability in obedience and training – it is clear why Sergeant Odayar himself has this breed of dog working alongside him.

Dante has served with Sergeant Odayar for 6 years, responding to and understanding commands as a human would all while being as playful as a child – a prime example of adequate training and a knowledgeable handler.

When not out on paw-patrol, Dante spends time with Sergeant Odayar’s children, often taking baths with them.

When it comes to loyalty and companionship, the Malinois is another fine choice – but this high-energy breed requires a firm hand to be trained adequately for any given situation in which your safety may be put at risk.

DTA Dog Training Academy’s Darryl Twiggs said the Malinois breed needed to be introduced to a capable family from the age of a pup to ensure the best temperament.

Owner of Apex K9 and trainer at Ballito-based Forest Hills Dog Club, Scott Farlam prefers the Dutch Shepherd for home security.

Whether your Dutch Shepherd will get along with your toddler depends on many factors – right from when the dog was introduced through to how it is handled and trained.

Although highly trainable, the Dutch Shepherd can easily learn undesired behaviour – something a breed which has gone on to be used in the fields of military and anti-poaching operations needs a skilled handler to prevent.

If there’s one thing these experts agree on without a doubt, it is that these 3 dog breeds need loving homes owing to their own personal needs of companionship – failing to provide this could seriously impact behaviour.

It was also noted that an effective home security dog is one which sleeps indoors at night.

“There is no doubt about it. If you provide love, food, discipline and shelter, a dog will guard that! Dogs are also far more likely to protect and alert you by being indoors at night,” Scott said.