I'm going through the same thing.

Which system is it? I have an older Simon 3 and you cannot turn off a feature that checks for communication with monitoring base every 6 hours. It then throws a code and a trouble alarm. You can buy a new Simon 3 for about $80 that has alot more programing features and the ability to turn that communication feature off.

 

Dogs are really only good if they are trained.

A few years ago two guys kicked in the back door of a house down the street in my old neighborhood, tied the family up and took half the family's stuff over the next 6 hours. Their 120lb rottweiler watched. There are very few dogs i'm afraid to approach even when they are barking and growling. You can quickly gain pack leader status with a dog. Now attack kitties are a completely different thing.

 

we're buying a new home too and i've always been curious about alarm systems. about how much are they to install? and how much is a monthly payment for the service?

 

My advice is to DIY with a wireless system unless you truly want it monitored. They are not that expensive.

 

Or if they'll bark at the sign of a stranger - loudly. Sometimes a hyper Lhasa Apso is more handy than a lazy Doberman. That's why a layered system works best: alarm, dog, firearm. With response times what they are, I don't see how anyone can rule out having a firearm in their home...maybe it's just me, though

In my area, there's an alarm monitoring company that charges a flat $9.95/month rate. I wish that I could take advantage of it, but my wife bought a cellular-based system while I was on a work trip

 

I have had ADT, Brinks, & some other lame company I can't even recall the name of. Waste of money imo. Your annual cost is almost 10 times if not more than the discount your insurance company is going to credit you for using it.

Too many false alarms & you get fined by the city. Also, just like when a car alarm goes off - NOBODY cares. If someone really breaks in - they're already brazen enough to make off with whatever anyways well before the cops show up - & your neighbors aren't going to do jack about it.

Get a gun? Unless you are home & have loaded guns laying around everywhere & don't sleep then they will just steal those as well...

 

except I'd say: dog, alarm, firearm, and then a company like Action Bio-care to come clean the blood and bits and pieces off my floor.

 

[QUOTE=Vadster,Mar 13 2009, 10:10 AM] I have had ADT, Brinks, & some other lame company I can't even recall the name of.

 

I have 3 dogs - I sleep hard as well I own a few firearms, but I just don't feel the need to be "battle ready" with them... now zombies on the other hand...

 

[QUOTE=Vadster,Mar 13 2009, 10:41 AM] I have 3 dogs - I sleep hard as well