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CAN A SPECIALLY TRAINED DOG PROVIDE MORE RELIABLE SECURITY THAN AN ALARM SYSTEM AND FASTER DEFENSE THAN A FIREARM? BY PATRICK VUONG PHOTOGRAPHY BY HENRY Z. DE KUYPER

History has shown that there are three

security, executive protection, police

gun is the be-all-end-all of personal se-

things that man loves most in life: a

units, and the military. “But a highly

curity? Then you’d be wrong, says Wade

good woman, a loaded firearm, and a

trained German Shepherd has been a

Morrell of Priority 1 Canine. Prior to

loyal dog. And not necessarily in that

proven security addition to personal

starting his dog training and consulting

order. While all three can provide much

protection for more than 100 years.”

business, he worked as a police officer

comfort and joy, only one of those

RECOIL is taking an in-depth look

in Ohio for more than a dozen years

cherished necessities is guaranteed to

at how to harden your home (see page

and investigated hundreds of burglaries

be fighting by your side to the death …

104 for more). As part of this, we con-

committed at homes with computer-

and we’re not talking about the one that

sulted with numerous subject-matter

ized security systems. Yet, he had dealt

can run out of ammo or run off with

experts (SMEs) who all agreed that a

with just one home burglary where the

another guy.

dog can play a significant role in your

owner had a dog … and had been put

home-defense strategy. While a canine

in a kennel in a back room.

A well-trained dog can not only be a devoted family member, but also a

might not be practical or possible for

criminal deterrent, a reliable and keen

everyone (who knows, you might prefer

home for an intrusion,” Morrell asks.

alarm system, and a first line of home

*shudder* cats), a dog can certainly be

“Of course everyone says, ‘Well I would

defense. In fact, most experts say

a deterrent, alarm system, bodyguard,

just get my gun and shoot them.’ But

that a canine can detect and engage a

and weapon all rolled up into one furry,

what about the guy who is a heavy

threat long before you’ve even woken

muscular package.

sleeper? Or the woman who is in the shower getting ready for bed and didn’t

from your nightly coma — let alone stumbled to your gun safe. “Alarms systems can be circumvent-

“Say someone has targeted your

ALERT, ASSESS, ATTACK Not convinced that a four-legged

hear the intruder gain access?” A canine can provide sophisticated

ed and the police are not always there

friend is a good supplement to your

overwatch without ever having to leave

to protect you,” says CQB K-9 owner

home-defense strategy? Think that an

your property, thanks in part to its

Alex Dunbar, who trains dogs for family

alarm system is sufficient or that your

astounding senses of smell and hearing,