I can't comprehend how stupid some people are..actually the majority of people are. I've done everything I can to keep people from approaching Vader when we're out in public. He is NOT a friendly dog towards strangers...he's completely aloof and ignores them (woo hoo I raised him right! lol) and he's wearing a blaze orange vest that says in bold letters "DO NOT PET" and "WORKING DOG". So why the heck do people STILL run up to him and try to mess with him?! We are sending him to be trained in protection work and possibly police work (bomb detection) later this year and I don't want to be sued because some idiot gets their arm bit off when they run up to my dog. What other steps can I take to keep my liability down? What are my chances of being sued if something happens with everything that I've done to prevent it? I also of course tell the other person not to come any closer, but that only works half the time Sorry for the vent...I'm just tired of it.

Kinda silly but I thought about doing this.....
Make a T-shirt for yourself front and back, That says please dont, look at, talk to, approach or touch the dog.

Not a bad idea although if they don't read the vest, I doubt they'll read a shirt either. It just seems like every place we go, I spend the majority of my time fussing at people to leave my dog alone. Yes, I know he's beautiful. Yes, I know he's rare around here. But when he bites someone or scratches some kid in the face, I don't want to be sued. He's perfectly behaved in public..it's the people who are ruining it for us

Hmm...just found a shirt that says "Not responsible for any bodily harm my dog may cause you" Maybe that would work...

Just a couple of thoughts here. First, indeed, Vader is a very beautiful dog, unusual-looking, really, compared to the type of dog most people are used to seeing in public, so I think that is part of the answer to "Why do people do this?" Have you noticed any improvement at all since he started wearing the vest? I think it's possible that, for some people, it's even more of a magnet for them to come closer and see what this is all about. Again, dogs wearing any kind of vest are not that common.

I'm wondering, Olivia, are you being too nice and polite in your requests to leave your dog alone? Sorry, I really don't know, so I don't mean any offense. I know for some people, it's just not in their nature, but it seems like a loud, even rude, voice is called for here. Don't worry about what people will think of you, even kids. If you have to yell at them, consider it as being for their own protection (and yours and Vader's against liability, as you mentioned.)

I wouldn't wear a shirt that tells people my dog may harm them, though I'm pretty sure you were joking about that. Finally, it may be that you have to find someplace else to work him. If you've tried everything and people still won't leave you alone, then it may be for the best to remove yourself and Vader from the situation.

"Hmm...just found a shirt that says "Not responsible for any bodily harm my dog may cause you" Maybe that would work... "

I love it! People can be such idiots and the stupider they are, the more likely they are to sue when their idiocy gets them hurt.

Maybe you should have cards printed up that say the above, "Not responsible...," give them to the people that insist on running up to a strange dog without permission, and ask them to sign this release before petting a "protection dog in training."

J_u_s_t s_a_y NO.

 Quote: Olivia Brown

I don't want to be sued because some idiot gets their arm bit off when they run up to my dog.

Odds are you would be, doesn;t matter what the shirt reads, or how stupid the people are.

I have to say that my pup is pretty darn handsome too...I am definitely biased, but lots of impartial people have also told me this. He is a dark sable, so not something you see every day.

Everyone wants to pet him.

Then, there is my Kira. She is cute. Just a really small, happy go lucky looking girl. She looks like a friendly dog. She's NOT! She really could care less about people outside of her "circle"

Everyone want to pet her.

And I have Grace...loves everyone, anywhere...almost too friendly...but she has a slightly intimidating look to her.

No one wants to pet her.

Bottom line:

NO. YOU MAY NOT PET MY DOGS.

I have been rude, stood in front of them, whatever it takes. The good news is that you get used to it after awhile and can spot the person who is going to approach, the person who is terrified and wants to run, etc.

Constant vigilance! (why does that make me want to laugh lol).

Either me or the dogs look mean because I don't have this problem. I think you may just need to sound firmer.

And if you dog does bite someone chances are you or your insurance company will pay. After bite training it's almost a given.

He looks so great that people are drawn to him. I'd take it as a compliment.