Practical Defense 113 - Door to Door

[Alex Haddox]

Quick Tip - Door to Door

A common modus operandi for residential burglars is that they knock on the door of a house. If someone is home, they move on. If there is no one home, they go into the back yard, break into the house through a back door or window, enter, and steal at their leisure. Respond through your door in a gruff manner. DO NOT open the door to any stranger.

8:19 mins

[EColon]

About... maybe a month ago.  I'm upstairs and I hear this banging on the door.  Its not like the firm knock you would get from someone that knows you and know you are hard to hearing.  It was banging.  I quickly told the wife and kid NOT to answer the door.  It was nothing, just a delivery guy.  I guess it was getting late and he really wanted the door answered quickly so he could leave.  Pay attention to the way ppl knock on your door.  I always ask who it is and reinforce that, specially on my son.

[Aaron L]

Several months ago I was awakened by knocking on my apartment door. It was right around midnight and I wasn't expecting anyone so I didn't immediately go look. Then all of the sudden heard the doorknob turning back and forth along with banging as if someone was trying to force the door open with their shoulder. I immediately grabbed my Beretta 92F and headed to the living room towards the front door. As I was approaching the door, I heard someone call out "Fire Department, is anybody home?" to which I replied, "Hold on, just a minute". Then I looked out the peephole and saw a couple of firefighters and flashing red lights so I tucked the gun away, turned off my alarm system and opened the door. Sure enough there was a big red firetruck and several firefighters outside. They said they got a call from this address and asked if I called and everything was okay. I said everything was fine and they went on their way. Fortunately that's all it was. It could have turned out much worse especially since there had been break-ins in the area recently.

[Charlie Foxtrot]

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Dogs are good too.

Several years ago, my wife partially opened the door to a "salesman".  Dude turned out to be a very aggressive, he even put his foot in the door.  

My two German Shepherd goofballs were outside, but they obviously heard something in her voice.  They swept open the sliding door (just when did they learn that?) and pounded through the house.  Next thing the vato knows, he's staring into the teeth of two very large, very loud, very angry dogs.  He couldn't leave fast enough.  

The cops weren't able to find him.  The pups got steak that night.  

[Daeglan]

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Dogs are good too.

Several years ago, my wife partially opened the door to a "salesman".  Dude turned out to be a very aggressive, he even put his foot in the door.  

My two German Shepherd goofballs were outside, but they obviously heard something in her voice.  They swept open the sliding door (just when did they learn that?) and pounded through the house.  Next thing the vato knows, he's staring into the teeth of two very large, very loud, very angry dogs.  He couldn't leave fast enough.  

The cops weren't able to find him.  The pups got steak that night.  

I plan on rescueing a German Shepherd and taking Shutzhund training with him or her. 1 the sport looks fun and 2 something about your dog knowing how to protect you and being able to call them off instantly appeals to me.

[Alex Haddox]

It is amazing how many people have had issues with strangers on their doorstep.

Thanks for sharing!

[Charlie Foxtrot]

I plan on rescueing a German Shepherd and taking Shutzhund training with him or her. 1 the sport looks fun and 2 something about your dog knowing how to protect you and being able to call them off instantly appeals to me.

Both our pups are rescues.  Our white female was only 8 hours away from the needle <shudder> when I picked her up in Sandy Eggo.  Our male is a police dog reject (a lover, not a fighter.)  Their loss, our gain.  We used a personal trainer for the basic and advance obedience training.  No Shutzhund or attack training.  But they are VERY protective in tense situations.  Lovable goofs otherwise.  Both were "Hard Cases", which took a lot of time, training, and love.  The result: two absolutely fantastic members of our family.  

The rescue agency we went through, Coastal German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County CA, is phenomenal, as are most of the rescue agencies.  They are all tops in our book.

  

[Daeglan]

I plan on rescueing a German Shepherd and taking Shutzhund training with him or her. 1 the sport looks fun and 2 something about your dog knowing how to protect you and being able to call them off instantly appeals to me.

Both our pups are rescues.  Our white female was only 8 hours away from the needle <shudder> when I picked her up in Sandy Eggo.  Our male is a police dog reject (a lover, not a fighter.)  Their loss, our gain.  We used a personal trainer for the basic and advance obedience training.  No Shutzhund or attack training.  But they are VERY protective in tense situations.  Lovable goofs otherwise.  Both were "Hard Cases", which took a lot of time, training, and love.  The result two absolutely fantastic members of our family.   

The rescue agency we went through, Coastal German Shepperd Rescue of Orange County CA, is phenomenal, as are most of the rescue agencies.  They are all tops in our book.

  

Thats why I love German Shepherds . But the Schutzhund training just looks like a blast and practical. kinda like IDPA

[EColon]

At the entrance to the complex where we used to live there was a street mongrel.  We used to watch it every time we went in and out.  I talked to the wife and we decided to rescue it.  It tried to bite me once or twice.  Specially when I gave her her first bath.  She was pissssssed.  She warmed to me, luke warmed to the wife and avoided my son.  I think kids picked on it and she grew distrustful.  I think she got to like me.  This guy comes over to install the sat tv.  Buffy just sat there watching him - yes just like the show, Im a fan, what can I say - not moving, neither friendly nor aggressive.  Definitely no tail wagging.  Guy bends over and reaches to pet her.  It was the meanest, most aggressive thing I've seen on a dog I've own.  It was an incredible transformation.  Anyone stepping into the property would have had to deal with one angry, mean, am I kill you dog.  I quickly stepped in between and grabbed her.  Learned two things.  Grateful mongrels will kick azz for you and never reach to pet a dog you don't know, specially if its acting distant.  She was pretty and has passed away since.  Love that dog.

One thing and I don't know why.  I felt so proud of her for that.  Always saw it as her way of showing gratitude.

[Runcorn]

One point that complicates this whole thing is living in an apartment. At least in Texas nether management nor maintenance (which occasionally includes off-sight contractors i.e. Orkin) have to request permission before entering an apartment all they are required to to do (per the standard lease)  is leave notice that they were there, although they do knock loudly and call maintenance in a loud voice if that's any comfort.
           

[EColon]

I heard something about this.  Now it is not illegal to actually have the firearms it is just that the building rules prohibit it.  Now I would not suggest someone does not follow their agreements but I do have to wonder if someone set a vault in their closet and kept all his/her firearms stuff inside.  How could they possibly find out?

I was just listening to Cam and Company and he mentioned how the mayor of Chicago walked in on President Roosvelt as he strapped a firearm on.  Against the law there.  Choices, choices.

This reminds me of the cases happening if Florida of ppl that were been asked if they had firearms in the home when they were doing paperwork to adopt a kid.  Something to be looked at by lawmakers.  Maybe all of these building rules will be nulled and void when the McDonald case incorporates the right.