Signage-still on the fence....

[brembo]

See what I did there? Ha.

Anyway, I know it's been beat to death here but like the horrible pun says I do not know how to approach the issue. I have a big BIG GSD that may or may not defend if he feels I am threatened, I don't know. However due to a recent windfall I have a Malinois that will without question step-up and defend if she feels I am threatened, there is no doubt as to that. So, am I legally bound to affix signage to that effect or just a friendly reminder that I have some dogs on premises? All my friends and family know to act accordingly until the dog(s) have their bearings, not worried there. It's the utility people, salespeople and the like I worry about.

Think a sign at the bottom of my outside stairs reading "Trained Protection Animals on Premises" would be alright? Or would that be an admission that I know my dogs are capable of harm? A sign that has a picture of a GSD and a Mal with their names and a friendly hello or "we live here"? In this sue happy world it worries me. I am not worried for myself, I don't want the dog's lives to be jeopardy.

[Cassidy's Mom]

You should check your state laws. (Are you in the US or another country?) In some states any kind of "beware of dog" sign can be used against you if something does happen. In other states the same kind of warning sign can protect you. Letting people know that there are dogs on the premises without suggesting that they are protection trained or may bite is usually safe, but it's best to check.

[gagsd]

I "think" each state has different laws. I like the "Large Dog" sign along with a "Keep Gate Closed" sign.

[I_LOVE_MY_MIKKO]

Yes, each state is different. For instance, in Florida you have to have a sign that says, "Bad Dog." But, it doesn't cover a child under a certain age (presumably because they can't read) getting in your yard and being bitten.

[mysweetkaos]

So I guess the sign I had in Wisconsin that read "is there life after death? jump this fence and find out" is not an option?
We simply have signs that read "dog on premises" at each of our gates....don't need one on the door, if you even think about coming near our door...you'll hear 'em!!

[Freestep]

It varies according to where you live, but for liability reasons, the safest thing to do is simply say something along the lines of "there's a dog in the yard". Don't use words like "beware of", "guard dog", "protection dog", "attack dog", or any such thing that would lead a person to believe your dog would actually bite.

I have a sign on my gate that says

"Dogs in Yard. Do Not Enter." in English and Spanish, with a picture of an alert-looking (not vicious looking) German Shepherd. So even if you can't read, you get the idea.

[BlackPuppy]

Originally Posted by Freestep

"Dogs in Yard. Do Not Enter."

I think this is a good sign.

[WVGSD]

The sign on my fence has a GSD silhouette and simply says "I can make it to the fence in 3 seconds, can you?". On the glass storm door for my front door is a stick on decal that says "German Shepherd on duty."

Like others, I was advised to stay away from anything that indicated that visitors could be (or would be) bitten.

[JakodaCD OA]

I agree with checking your local signage use..Here , I was told NOT to use a Beware of Dog sign, as I'm saying,,well you gotta be aware of a possible bite. Instead they told me to put a NO TRESPASSING sign, and I also have a "dog patrol" type sign..

[arycrest]

I have two signs. One, BAD DOG because that's what Florida statute requires, the other simply states DOGS IN YARD ... no threats, just a simple comment.