The house is uninteresting. On closer inspection, its home to just one person. They arent home yet.

He's fine with that.

This means he can sneak in and catch them off-guard.

True, plus there won't be any family to deal with

Exactly. Itll be easy. Especially since the person is probably already on their way home.

Exactly. He got out of the car and scanned the houses on either side for dogs, closing the door behind him. He didn't bother trying to do it softly--if anyone was watching, trying to keep quiet would look a heck of a lot more suspicious than just acting normally. He strolled down the sidewalk with his hands in his pockets. The rifle was back in his car, but he could feel the pistol still tucked in his jeans under his T-shirt, there and ready if he needed it.

He turned into the house's driveway then continued around the house to the backyard.

Turns out the person does have a dog. However, it's one of those dogs who thinks every and any human is its best friend, so instead of barking it just cutely comes up expecting love and attention.

Well...he gives the dog some, petting it

The dog likes that, of course. Because it has no idea what this new, seemingly friendly human's intent is.

He pets the dog a little longer before going to the back door, trying to see if there was a lock, and if there was if it was complicated or not