The holiday season is just around the corner, and there's plenty to be stressed about. From finding the perfect gifts for each of your family members to decking the halls, you don't have time to slow down. And things become even more hectic when you're preparing to host your friends and family for an unforgettable holiday party. At Alpha Dog Security, we can't help you with everything, but we've got you covered in at least one aspect: ensuring incredible and easy-to-access audio. With a whole-home stereo system, you can select a playlist and stream it anywhere throughout your Jacksonville, FL property. Ready to learn more? Keep reading.

Raising kids is hard work. On the one hand, you always want to be there for them when they need you. On the other, you want to give them the space to grow and learn from their mistakes. It’s a delicate balance, and it can cause plenty of anxiety if you’re not careful. Thankfully, Alarm.com security and smart home automation features simplify all aspects of protecting your family and Ponte Vedra Beach property -- even when you’re miles away. From unique access codes to simplified energy management, here’s how you can be a “cool mom” without the stress. Keep reading to learn more.

some smart ways to stay safe this year

It might not feel like it in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, but fall is finally upon us. That means major holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are just around the corner. And that means additional foot traffic hitting the streets in and around your property. So, it’s time to consider how you’ll stay safe this holiday season. From best practices to technology like home surveillance cameras, you'll find some easy-to-follow tips to help you stay safe and enjoy a happier time of year. Ready to get started? Keep reading.

If you’re about to start building a new home in the Jacksonville, FL area, you’ve got a lot on your mind. You need to find a trusted building partner, decide on the amenities you’ll love, and find the right styles to work with your vision. Thankfully, D.R. Horton is available to help. As America’s largest home builder, you can trust them to craft the experience necessary.

That’s why we at Alpha Dog partner with them to deliver the best home security experience to your property. We recommend that you start wiring for your security system before the walls go up, so you don’t have to waste money on inefficient after-the-fact installation. Want to learn more about D.R. Horton, home security, and how we can help you achieve your goals? Keep reading.

The CEDIA Expo is a wonderful time of year for the integrated technology industry. Not only do you get to scope out the next great solutions, but you also occasionally enjoy out-of-left-field surprises. One of the biggest this year comes from a company that’s hoping to combine home entertainment and modern wellness practices to revolutionize your AV experience. How are they bringing health and wellness to home AV? And how will it affect your Saint Augustine, FL home theater installation? Find out here.

If you’ve been looking for the tipping point in the smart home revolution, this may be it. International furniture giant IKEA announced last month that they would be investing heavily in smart home devices moving forward. It’s a big step for the integrated technology market but is it a smart move to buy into the Swedish-founded company’s offerings? As your Jacksonville FL home technology experts, we’ll take a look at what IKEA is offering and show you how you can already enjoy the convenience of smart technology in your home today. Keep reading for more.

The summer is coming to an end, and it's time to start preparing. That means getting ready for back to school with your kids. But as life pulls you in all different directions, you can't always guarantee that you'll be home at the same time your kids get out of school. Thankfully, smart technology can help. With a smart home access control system, you can know who comes and goes from your Saint Augustine, FL home the moment it happens. See below for five important ways integrated access control helps your family stay safe.

As the season winds down, you'll start to notice the sun setting a little earlier. But if you're lucky enough to live in sunny Jacksonville, the cool weather is still months away. That means you'll be getting plenty of work out of your AC unit. In our last blog, we showed you some of the surprising ways a smart security system from Alarm.com could help you save energy. With a professional, smart thermostat installation along with your security system, you can enjoy energy savings and simplified comfort all year round. Want to learn more? Check out the top three benefits below.

If anything's true about Florida, it's that there's always a need for air conditioning. In just about any building you walk into, you'll find an efficient (and overworked) central AC unit. And, while the ocean breeze may keep Ponte Vedra Beach temperate most of the year, residents are still relying on their HVAC systems to beat the late-summer humidity. But did you know an Alarm.com smart home security system can help you manage energy usage? Find out more about one of the unexpected benefits of integrating your security controls.

Summer is almost over, and while the temperature won’t change much in Jacksonville, the seasonal change means the sun will set earlier. That means you’re going to get more use out of your lighting control and security systems in the coming months. And when you integrate both systems into a single, comprehensive solution, you can simplify usage and safety after dark.

If you’re building a new home in North Florida or want to add on to existing architecture, we can simplify new technology installation. When you work with Alpha Dog and D.R. Horton, home security is easy, efficient, and smart. Keep reading to find out how you can get the most out of your security system with smart lighting control.

We're well into summer, and if you haven't stepped out to enjoy the warm weather, you're in danger of missing out. Whether you want to hang out by the pool or impress your Ponte Vedra Beach, FL neighbors with a backyard barbecue, there's plenty of stuff to do this season. And the fun doesn't have to stop once the sun goes down. In fact, with the right home lighting design, you can enjoy the great outdoors for hours after dark. Want to learn how? Keep reading.

Building a smart home is more complicated than it may seem. After all, isn't smart technology all about simplicity? With the touch of a button, you can use multiple systems, like lights, shades, AV, security, and more. And you can set timers or sensors to prompt your system to act without lifting a finger. Of course, while smart automation is designed to simplify, the systems themselves are quite complicated. One of the most commonly overlooked aspects is your home networking installation. Is your network strong enough to support every device? Keep reading to find out.

There’s nothing better than the peace of mind that comes with knowing your Saint Augustine, FL home is safe and sound. With a smart security system for your new D.R. Horton home, you can get the most out of your day-to-day activities, while keeping an eye on your property. One of the best ways to ensure your home is safe is with an access control system. And the benefits go beyond security! In this blog, we'll show you precisely what you can do with access control. Keep reading to find out more.

When you consider adding a home theater to your Jacksonville, FL property, you most likely think about how it will look. From the size of the screen to the clarity of the projection, you can plan for a bright, flawless picture. But a custom theater needs to do more than look good -- it needs to sound incredible, too. In fact, an effectively built theater is optimized for audio as much as it is for video playback. And with an immersive surround sound installation like Dolby Atmos available to make your private cinema sound like the local multiplex, there’s plenty to learn. Want to get started? Keep reading.

Popular smart home platforms like Google Home and Amazon Alexa are leading a rising wave of disparate consumer technology trends designed to make living easier. Just walk down to your nearest big-name store in Jacksonville, FL and you’ll find smart thermostats, smart light bulbs, smart door locks, and more sitting on the shelves at affordable prices.

This growing accessibility to smart home technology poses the question: Can homeowners install their own robust smart home automation systems without the help of a professional? If you think so, you may have left out some important considerations. Below, we list a few significant questions you should ask before diving into the world of DIY smart homes.