I agree completely that a dog is a long-term commitment, but feel there are several additional benefits of dog ownership. There is evidence that pets can provide a significant amount of emotional comfort beyond their possible role as a security aid. Dog owners have the additional benefit of taking their “security alarm / deterrent” along with them on walks. I would venture to say that dog walkers are less likely to be attacked than their non-dog walker counter parts. While a dog is clearly not an option for everyone, it is an option, which I believe has several advantages (and some possible disadvantages) over traditional security systems.

Pete