Just to chime in, when I did AC I got this question alot, and what I suggested was to NOT put up beware of dogs signs but to put up no trespassing or private property do not enter signs. As you said Duane, yup, the beware of dog sign implies that you knew the dog was a danger and should have taken extra precautions (attractive nuisance components there) the no trespassing signs or private property do not enter signs clearly imply do not enter my property for any reason.

there is a reason why almost all of the personal injury attorneys in the phone book list dog bites as part of their specialty-to are almost impossible to defend against, and people sue at the drop of a hat. for an example I had a guy call once, distraught that he was being sued, he told me the situation was that a meter reader had come to his house several years prior, claimed his chained GSD who was at least 150 feet away barked at her, scared her so badly as she was exiting her car at the curb that she fell and injured her elbow, when workers comp benefits ran out she decided to sue him. according to what he told me this was all news to him, and several years had passed and he was never notified of the initial alleged injury that happened at the curb. All I could do for him was write a letter saying we had no previous complaints or bite hx on the dog. Its pretty scary... and not to degrade lawyers but they love these cases they are easy money (and I was told that by a personal injury attorney).
I think its a tough call to make, but a beware of dog sign might give an attorney some ammunition if something happens. JMHO

"Beware of Dog", to me, has always sounded like a human threat that puts a preconceived notion and unfair human advantage on the animal. It's cute if the dog on the property is a Chihuahua.

If my dogs are going to attack someone, that's my business. I'm not going to be advertising the fact and I better be in full control of who they're setting their sights on.

Many years ago, we had numerous talks with the hydro company. Scared, inconvenienced meter readers and upset customers because we needed to be available on mutually agreed dates.

We came to a great solution though. They sent a guy to relocate the meter so it's easily visible from the road. They use binoculars now.

My side & back yard are fenced with a 6' stockade fence. Several gates but they have no outside latches. Inside latches are key padlocked. Alarm company sign is out by front steps (also some window decals) & along with guard dog sign & multiple other guard dog & beware of dog signs on the gates & several across the back fence line facing the woods.

Water & electric meters are read by remote from the street. Oil deliveries are by appointment, as they cannot access the oil fill outside the gated yard.

My dogs make a VERY serious display at the front bay window & door or out on the deck or yard. Anyone stupid enough to come in here is a fool!!

Anybody know where I can get something like "Dog on Premises- Do Not Enter" in Spanish? The neighborhood I'm moving to would be more likely to understand that than the English version. The only signs I can find in Spanish are the "Beware of Dog" signs.

Google beware of dog signs in spanish...plenty of sights that carry them.

Years ago we had a serious chesapeake. She tore the UPS man's pants and grabbed the mailman by his thick wallet and tore his pants as well.
Our attorney advised us not to have a sign. He also advised us to get rid of the dog. We didn't.
We gave the mailman a Christmas present and got a PO Box in town. The UPS man we bribed to huck the packages out the door and keep on driving. Now UPS delivers to the top of our driveway. It's great unless they need a signature.

These are all very interesting takes. After reading these, it occurs to me to state the reason that I decided what I did.

The reason that I opted to go with the signs is the very reason my agent said it wouldn't help. She said they would pbly be held liable in event of a bite regardless of any warning, so what do I have to lose? I decided to go with the deterrent and minimize the chance that someone would enter the property.

I don't share CJ's concern about controlling who is attacked. When I'm present, of course I want control, but when I'm at work and the dog is in charge, not so much.

Pbly get a call from my insurance agent bright and early Wednesday morning.

Duane...,I opted for the same reasons as you. What difference does it make...you are liable no matter sign or not.

I look at it also as layers of protection for would-be intruders. Why not encourage them to go elsewhere if they have bad intentions.

Duane...,I opted for the same reasons as you. What difference does it make...you are liable no matter sign or not.

I look at it also as layers of protection for would-be intruders. Why not encourage them to go elsewhere if they have bad intentions.

 Quote: Cathy Goessman

Anybody know where I can get something like "Dog on Premises- Do Not Enter" in Spanish? The neighborhood I'm moving to would be more likely to understand that than the English version. The only signs I can find in Spanish are the "Beware of Dog" signs.

"Dog on Premises- Do Not Enter" = Perro en locales. No entrar!
You should be able to get someone local to make one up for you if you can't find one.