Many people buy dogs to guard their homes, but in some cases, these furry companions can actually create holes in your home security. Their doggy doors can provide an easy place for intruders to enter the home, and dogs can inadvertently set off false alarms.

Luckily, it is possible to make your home security system support your dog and work around the potential vulnerabilities he or she can create within the system. If you are a dog owner who wants to ensure your home and your security system are as safe as possible, check out these tips:

1. Avoid motion detectors or get ones that don't sense your dogs

Many standard security systems come with motion detectors. Unfortunately, if you have a large dog, he or she can set off your motion detectors. This can trigger a false alarm which can be dangerous in a number of ways.

If you "cry wolf" too many times, your first responders may stop taking calls from your system seriously, and ultimately, that can make your home less safe. In other cases, if a first responder answers a false alarm and sees a "vicious" animal in your house, your dog could be shot or hurt.  

2. Hang warning signs

So that anyone entering your house knows you have a dog, hang up warning signs. When paired with signs explaining that you own a home security system, the combination can also help to deter criminals. They might be willing to handle either a dog or a security system, but both at once can be intimidating to even the most hardened criminal.

3. Give unique codes to dog walkers and sitters

It's also important to note that a lot of theft is not related to strangers. Instead, it may involve someone you know. If you have pet sitters or dog walkers entering your home on a regular basis to help out your dog, give them a unique access code to the security system.

That way, you can track when they disarm your system, and if they give the number to anyone else, you will know immediately that it was them.

4. Lock doggy doors

If you have a doggy door, it isn't just your pet sitters who may be coming and going. Your dog also enters and exits the home. Unfortunately, doggy doors can be a liability, but they don't have to be.

To make your doggy door safer, locate it far away from door knobs so thieves cannot use it to reach in and open a door. Also, consider getting an automatic opening doggy door that can only be opened with an electronic device hooked to your dog's collar.

Alternatively, have the doggy door lead to the garage and have your dog use pee pads in the garage while you are gone for the day. In order for this strategy to work, you need to secure your garage as well.

For more information on security alarms for your home, talk to a company like MD Electrical LLC.