My dog has helped alert us many times, and failed to once on a bad rainy day (she was staying warm with animals and we were robbed)
I was Not a gun toting gal ten years ago, I had my knives, always around and I'm good with them. Always figured if someone attacked me they'd have to be close nuff to stab so that'd be too close to me in the eyes of the law.
Then I was attacked by a large man who easily disarmed me because he was allowed too close and I am mot very threatening looking to a big guy I guess :/
Getting my gun permits and having hubby teach me to shoot and handle a gun with ease (dang good shot too hehe) made me much less scared and feel much more prepared to be alone a lot, either at home or at work in a not so nice area. As did having different plans of action for different situations.
I carry a tazer in places I can't carry a gun and a retractable staff as well as my knives being around still, just hunkered in my boot now. Not a 1st choice.
I definitely recommend every single female learn to shoot and have a gun with a large box of ammo stashed. Probably never ever have to use it but if you ever do need one it could save you or someone else's life.
One of the few ways to stop a bad guy with a gun, is a good guy/gal with a gun and those are few and far between these days.