I agree with jobsworth. I have always had at least one dog. If the dog barked, i never discouraged it. n one occasion, my dog was making a big fuss in the frot yard, eventually, i went out to see what the fuss was about. About the time i went out to check her out, she was running along the top of the high retaining wall along the road in front of my house.
The next morning, i took one of my helpers out to my truch to get the brand-new chainsaw that was on the back of the truck. the truck was always parked at edge of clearing on other side of the road fro my yard (we live on a woodsy road and nothing but woods and swamp on far side) as i reached into the truck bed to grab the chaisaw, I grabbed only empty air. Oh well, had i paid more attention to my burglar alarm, i might have gotten the chance to have used that saw.
On another occasion, she was making a lot of noise towards a neighbor's house. I knew the neighbor was away for a few days, so i walked up to where my dog was standing and making so much noise. I heard so suspicious sounds and talking as somebody was getting into the cellar window. i called the cops and two guys ended up spending the night in jail. Of the breaker inners, one was the woman's estranged husband. He was a druggie and as probably after some goodies to sell to support his habit.
My dog had a favorite spot where she wold lie and she could watch almost the entire neighborhood. She knew everybody and knew whenever any stranger went into any of her yards of "responsibility". Now she is gone, and nobody else in the neighborhood has a four legged burglar alarm, I don't think even the neighbors feel so safe anymore. My dog was actually very friendly, but she had a very authoritative bark. I think, rather than chasing any stranger away, she was actually inviting them to come visit, but no crook would have thought so much. As I said, never discouraged her barking. A great alarm system.
Tinker