I think it is part of a three-movie series. I remember watching it when I was younger.. one of the dogs is a little golden terrier type dog. The family is a rich family, and the parents leave the son at home - he is listening to music when the kidnappers take him.
They lock the maid in the closet - the dogs have to follow and save the boy - which they do.
I am trying to use some of the pieces of this film in a short-video I am making (heroic canines - I'm also using 'Lassie' and 'Old Yeller') for Multimedia Studies. I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the film or even who was in it!
Please help!

Possibly,.

Benji (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071206/) (74)

No.. No it's not Benji.. I love watching Benji! That film always makes me cry. It's quite an old movie, I think.
Thanks for your help, anyway :)

Bingo, Far from home - adventures of yellow dog, homeward bound, all dogs go to heaven, beethoven. I am still looking but you may just want to check these out, they may be what you are looking for.

How long ago did you watch the movie, just so I know how recent it might have been.

Also I know you say it is not Benji but there are several remakes of the movie and it sounds pretty similar to what you are looking for

Maybe you can find your mystery dog
Among these canine stars

YouTube - Tribute to Movie Dogs - Rin Tin Tin Lassie Benji Asta Toto + (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNH5NRulnm4)

Is it possible that the title is Little Heroes, because I've been looking for a movie by that name and your description fits it perfectly? THe only problem is that I can't find it anywhere.

So actually I did find it and yes it is called Little Heroes and here's the description.

Former tobacco company employee Harry Burton prepares to leave for Washington, D.C. to testify against his former employer in a lawsuit that could deliver a serious blow to the cigarette industry. Harry and his wife say good-bye to their son, Charlie, and dogs, Samson and Hercules, and depart for the airport. Two hired thugs sneak into the house and grab Charlie to force his father into altering his testimony. But, the thugs' plans are quickly thwarted by the two dogs. Through a hilarious battle of obstacles and traps, using every bone, fishing pole, and electric mixer within reach of their paws, the dogs turn the tables on the thugs, saving Charlie and allowing Harry to give his testimony... honestly.