How can I protect myself and my family in case of and intruder?

I don't really want to buy a gun. What other type of "weapons" could I have against an intruder, and what is the safest way to keep it, and also where should I put it so I could use it in case of emergency. What behavior is the best if some one brakes in? There was a robbery in the neighborhood what can I do to protect us?

I already have a dog, since last year when that doctor's family got killed by two man (two daughters, wife, house burnt down).

I don't have answers, but I have information:
Most crimes are crimes of opportunity, not of design.
A gun rarely helps the victim.
Confidence repels evil.
A cheap security sign is just as effective as a home security system.
Most dogs can be rendered harmless with a pork chop.
Most locked doors can be easily kicked in.
"Security" is mostly self-delusion.

Friends are your best security.

a big dog is an excellent idea. he doesn't even need to be trained or vicious. a good bark in the right octave will do the trick. other types of weapons depend on your ability to swing them. you don't want to go after a 200lber. with a louisville slugger if he's just going to take it away from you and...i don't want to go there. you have to select a weapon that fits you. bottom line,,,you got a good dog you will never need the other. they don't call them "mans best friend" for nothing. they can be womans best friend too.is the dog kept inside at night? outside and a porkchop can be affective, but 9 times out of 6 a criminal isn't going to buy a porkchop (unless he knows you have the crown jewels) he's going to find an easier target.

You could buy a taser, its legal for a civilian to buy and own but remember, it IS a weapon so you cant carry it around with you in your purse or on you person. Its not considered non lethal, alot of people think that. Its considered LESS LETHAL. Every weapon has the probability to kill another.

Shoot them.

Get a big dog