Do we need a Beware Of Dog sign on our fence?

Question

In order to get to our front door you have to go through a gate which also leads to our backyard. We usually leave our dog outside when we go to work since its really nice out. Even though our dog is generally friendly, Im concerned that someone might try to get to our front door and for whatever reason, our dog bite may bite them. Are we required to have a sign that warns people there is a dog in the yard? (in CA) or we should we put one up as a coutsey warning?

Answer 1

I would put one up as a way to keep people off of the yard in the first place. If they see the sign they wont come on the yard at all and you wont have to worry about the dog biting them. And if they do and get bit that's their fault. You had a sign warning them.

Answer 2

I would say if the dog is generally friendly, don't put up a sign. If you're worried about the dog possibly biting someone entering your yard when you're not home, keep the dog inside (with friendly dogs this is a good idea anyways, not as uncommon as people would like to think for dogs to be stolen -- almost happened to us once). Everyone says that for liability issues you should put one up, but that's backwards; if you have a "Beware of Dog" sign, the lawyer of whoever's suing you will use that and claim that you knew the dog was prone to bite. So, unless you have a truly and very aggressive dog, don't put up a "Beware of Dog" sign -- you'll be much better off counter-suing for trespass than defending what you think is a courtesy warning. If they're uninvited and had to pass through a gate (a barrier) to get to your door, odds are the court might just decide in your favor (unless you get a fool of a judge).

I'm not sure about specific laws in CA or your specific area, so if you're truly concerned then check, but the above is my strong recommendation.

Answer 3

It depends where you live and the laws in your area. If you put up a ' beware of dog ' sign you are saying that your dog is aggressive and will bite. If your dog does bite someone, then they can say that you knew your dog was nasty. If you put up a friendly light sign that says something like ' Dog crossing ' or whatever, then it tells people that there is a dog there, but you are in no way suggesting that the dog is aggressive. More of a warning not to let the dog out, or so that people wouldn't be surprised by the dog.

Answer 4

I would lock your gate if you are not at home to protect anyone from a bite. If you are home, I would definitely have a sign up warning people that you have a loose dog in the yard. If it is possible, I would have a bell added to your gate area so nobody has to open the gate to get to your front door. Bottom line is, even if your dog does not bite, he could be accidently set loose and lost. For liability sake, I would have a sign.

Answer 5

I was told with my dog that putting up a sign that says "Beware of Dog" is as good as admitting that he'd bite. The animal control in my town told me to get a sign that says "A (Whatever Breed) Lives Here". That way people are aware that there is a dog in the yard without you admitting that the dog might bite.

Answer 6

Personally, I think that your biggest concern should be, what kind of danger are putting your dog in by leaving it in this situation? Yes, it's true that you don't want a person to sue you because they wandered onto your property and got bit by your dog, but the thing you should think about is, what happens to the dog if YOU leave it in a position where this is a possibility? Do you want your dog to be labeled as vicious? Do you want someone who's kid got bit because he was sticking his fingers through the fence to insist that it be put to sleep?

I would skip the sign and put the dog in the house. Plus, I don't think that the sign absolves you of legal responsibility if something does happen.

ETA: In regard to some good things that Noah mentioned... I don't know about in California, but in Michigan it doesn't matter if you thought your dog might bite or not, you're still responsible.

Answer 7

I don't know whether it is required, but you should post one. Dogs are more territorial than most owners realize. The mailman is afraid of sweet little toy poodles that would never bite anyone, because he's been attacked by sweet little toy poodles that would never bite anyone. The mailman is a daily invader into a dog's territory, who comes in daily and leaves without talking to the masters.

You never know when your dog will see a stranger he doesn't like, and if you aren't there to call down your dog bad things could happen. Dogs also seem to pick up on racial differences--if they aren't used to seeing anyone of a certain race in your home, your dog won't trust those people--even though you never taught the dog this, it will know that those guys don't smell like friends.

It will also let people know that if they are sloppy with closing the gate behind them, that you could get really upset with them.

Answer 8

I don't think that legally you need one, but for your own sake i would advise you to have one. This way if you are not home, and somebody walks in the backyard and the dog bites, you won't be held responsible. Your dog may not be aggressive, but you never know if it will bite somebody who is trespassing as he may be trying to protect himself and the house. I would say get a sign that says dog on duty or something, not beware of dog as it is saying that the dog is known to bite.It would also be fine if you just wrote a sign saying that there is a dog in the backyard and you will not be held responsible if the dog feels as though you are a threat.

Answer 9

It sounds like a good idea from a liabilty standpoint to warn people not to go through the gate.

Does the mailman, UPS, or the meter reader have to go through the gate? You may have your mail or package stop being delivered if there is an indication that your dog is dangerous and the utility company may ask you to restrain your dog on days the meter needs to be read.

Answer 10

you should get a sign that will say Guard dog on duty..Insurance company's will tell you that a sign that says Beware of Dog is letting people know you have a mean dog, so if the dog was to bite, the insurance company wont pay because there is a sign letting people know the dog bites...Sounds crazy I know. I have A Rotti and was told to get a sign that just says Guard Dog on Duty.....To be safe...