What are my options for home defense where guns are banned?

I’ve been thinking about how to protect myself and my family when guns aren’t an option. Curious about what tools or strategies people use in countries where firearms are illegal.

I have a 187-pound dog that’s more effective than my firearms. His bark is so loud it could make anyone think twice. You can feel his presence even before you see him. A few deep, aggressive barks from him, and intruders scatter.

@Kim
I’ve got a 130-pound German Shepherd, and I agree. I have a sign at my gate with a picture of a Shepherd that says, ‘WARNING! Beware of the dog. Not responsible for injury or death.’ Nobody messes with a big dog.

@Brooke
I have a sign on my backyard fence too. It’s mostly for liability reasons. I also had to raise the fence by 24 inches because my dog could easily peer over the 6-foot fence just by standing on his back legs.

@Kim
What breed is he?

Brooke said:
@Kim
What breed is he?

American Alsatian.

Kim said:

Brooke said:
@Kim
What breed is he?

American Alsatian.

Such a beautiful dog! I’ve heard of them before. Definitely a great deterrent.

@Kim
What breed is your giant dog?

Bennett said:
@Kim
What breed is your giant dog?

American Alsatian—part of the ‘dire wolf project.’

Is a spear better than a knife or bat? I feel like it gives you range without being too cumbersome. It’s like a long knife and might keep you safer.

Yan said:
Is a spear better than a knife or bat? I feel like it gives you range without being too cumbersome. It’s like a long knife and might keep you safer.

You’re onto something. I still prefer a shotgun, but a sturdy spear (like the ones from Cold Steel) would definitely keep intruders at a distance. I just googled ‘spear defensive tactics’—fascinating stuff.

@Shai
If the intruder has a gun, though, nothing short of another gun will help. This is why banning guns for law-abiding people sucks.

@Rory
SPARTANS, TONIGHT, WE DINE IN HELL!

Reilly said:
@Rory
SPARTANS, TONIGHT, WE DINE IN HELL!

This is Sparta!

Yan said:
Is a spear better than a knife or bat? I feel like it gives you range without being too cumbersome. It’s like a long knife and might keep you safer.

Spears have been a classic weapon for centuries for a reason!

Yan said:
Is a spear better than a knife or bat? I feel like it gives you range without being too cumbersome. It’s like a long knife and might keep you safer.

Maybe start spearfishing as a hobby? Or visit a medieval fair for authentic ones.

Yan said:
Is a spear better than a knife or bat? I feel like it gives you range without being too cumbersome. It’s like a long knife and might keep you safer.

Are you the same person who posted about spears a few years back? That thread was great!

@Kellan
Not me, but now I’m curious and want to find that post!

Yan said:
Is a spear better than a knife or bat? I feel like it gives you range without being too cumbersome. It’s like a long knife and might keep you safer.

You’d need to practice with it. Long, heavy weapons are harder to maneuver than you might think. Try swinging a similar-sized stick to get a feel for it.

@Beckett
I was thinking of something shorter and lighter—just enough range to keep the blade away from me. I’m not planning to reenact a siege here.