Dogs are the best insurance. The gun MAY not always be available.
Besides the dogs wouldn't ALLOW anyone to get NEAR the house. The dogs would also allow you the time to get the gun and fire away. BLAM!!!
My husband always said that a shotgun was best: it's huge and it scatters.
Your hubby is correct. Besides having a dog gives the cop something to shoot other than you, your hubby or any offspring...
The scattering is the issue for me. If I have a child in the house I want to make darn sure where my shot is going. In a confined space the .357 or .45 is just as loud, and with the safety slugs you don't have to worry about over penetration.