Beware of dog sign

[IndyGSDK9]

I've read conflicting things on putting a sign on your fence that warns people you have dogs.

On one side of the fence I've heard it "admits" you have an aggressive dog and if someone enters and gets bit, you are liable.

On the other side I've heard if someone enters and gets bit, but you have no sign, you're liable.

Having 3 german shepherds and the house next door up for sale (family style home, probably going to have kids next door now) makes me wonder if I should put something up. They aren't "aggressive" if they know the person, but will not hesitate to protect their turf should someone enter that shouldn't be there.

Sad world when I have to worry about someone suing me for entering MY yard uninvited huh?

[mcsap]

You could just put a generic " No Trespassing" sign up which does not indicate that you have " viscious " dogs yet carries the message to not proceed onto the property.

[Ken K]

I spent a few years investigating insurance claims. I was not an adjuster but with three dogs, of that breed (size,etc), a sign will probably mean very little.

There are a lot of issues here. Mailman/woman, child playing, or someone needing help at night and coming to your door.

If you own the dogs, know they may bite (defensive), you can warn but it's not a perfect defense. It's almost what they call strict liability, and the victim gets the sympathy.

I've seen some horrible dog bites to kids over the years. I know a lot of companies would think real hard about even covering you for Homeowners if they knew you had those three dogs.

Not being critical here, just letting you know if you got 'em, you're pretty much on the hook for liability.

[IndyGSDK9]

My insurance company is well aware I have the dogs - have no problems with it.

My dogs would not bite kids. I'm referring to adults. My concern with the kids is a ball may come flying over and the adult may climb over after it thinking it's safer for him.

[Terminator]

Why not put a "No Trespassing" sign, and a "Beware of Dog" sign right next to it.

[Ken K]

I guess I really wasn't too concerned about how it happens, just if it happens.

I'm glad you are covered. If they know and say OK then you're good to go.

Maybe you could say high to the new neighbors and explain things. Let them meet the dogs? That would help.

Have fun and be safe.

[Retired Trooper]

my signs say.......I can make it over the fence in 2 seconds. Can you ?

[Darin]

" viscious " dogs

A flowing fluid dog?

[txinvestigator1]

My insurance company is well aware I have the dogs - have no problems with it.

My dogs would not bite kids. I'm referring to adults. My concern with the kids is a ball may come flying over and the adult may climb over after it thinking it's safer for him.

:confused: Since when do insurance companies ask if an insured has a dog? I call BS on that statement. :rolleyes:

And saying your dog won't bite a kid is foolish and ignorant.

And to answer your first post, judges and juries decide liability and fault. You post the sign to discourage people from entering your property. No one here can tell you with any certainty if you would be held liable.

[mobrien316]

I was going to put up a sign outside my house that read:

Trespassers will be shot. Survivors will be shot again.

Will that protect me from liability when I gun down people from the sniper’s nest on my roof? :D

[Ken K]

Indy, you should google "dog bite claims and underwriting" for some good articles on liaility, underwriting, and state laws pertaining to ownership.

Should answer some questions for you. Many good articles. Here's the intro to the first site I checked:

Home insurance for dog owners

Insure.com

About 40 percent of American households have at least one dog, according to The Humane Society of the United States. Many of those dog owners have homeowners insurance, too.

As the costs of dog bite litigation spirals — more than $1 billion a year according to the Insurance Information Institute — some insurance companies are refusing to write coverage for owners of certain breeds-unquote.

Hope they help.

[IndyGSDK9]

:confused: Since when do insurance companies ask if an insured has a dog? I call BS on that statement. :rolleyes:

You can "call BS" all you want TX, I don't really give a rip.

Thanks to everyone else for answering the question, esp Ken K for the additional info in a PM.

[Darin]

:confused: Since when do insurance companies ask if an insured has a dog? I call BS on that statement. :rolleyes:

.

It's true. When our insurance company found out we had a Rottie they were going to deny us coverage. But we asked them to come out and "meet" Zeus. After they met him they decided to cover us. It's not far fetched at all.

[txinvestigator1]

It's true. When our insurance company found out we had a Rottie they were going to deny us coverage. But we asked them to come out and "meet" Zeus. After they met him they decided to cover us. It's not far fetched at all.

What do you mean, "after they found out". How did they find out. I just purchased a brand new home in 2003. No one asked me if we had a dog. I am well covered in insurance too.

[scott715us]

Like others have advised, No Trespassing sign would work best. This is to keep folks out "period." Those that enter and get bit, their loss.