[raisins]

If you are unwilling to own a gun you need to consider whether any of your two options is more effective than shouting out "I've called the cops and they are on their way.". If they are breaking in to do a burglary that is probably sufficient and the lives of your family weren't in severe danger. On the other hand if they are doing a home invasion I doubt that yelling that or a taser or a paintgun would be much of a deterrent. What do you want to be capable of defending against?

At the very least it sounds like you could tighten up the security of your home: burglar bars, cameras, etc.

I am sure there are forums where LEOs and self-defense people hang out and could make some more informed suggestions.

regards,

raisins