This week I stopped by PetSmart and I saw this:
It caught my eye, because usually dog warning signs look something like this:
As I am wont to do, I began to think about the meaning of each sign, and the purpose of displaying either of them.
I’ve never before posted signs where I lived, because I didn’t see the point. In most areas of the country, they don’t lessen your legal liability for injuries caused by your dog unless the person injured was clearly trespassing. Besides, I was naive to all that until I had a dog injure another dog. After that incident, my dogs didn’t go outdoors without me out there with them.
I’ve always found the old Beware of Dog signs intimidating, as if the dog within was a vicious attack dog. The other sign, Dog on Premises, seems less intimidating. It’s a “Please don’t leave the gate open because I have dogs,” kinda sign, as opposed to, “enter this yard, leave missing a body part.”
After my mower was stolen, I changed my mind and posted these signs outside either entrance.
I liked these. It’s the same message, but without the red background.
I wanted any would-be burglar to think twice about going inside, and protect myself if the dummy does anyway. I’ve also purchased a Dog on Premises sign to attach to the outside gate.
Do you use warning signs? Why or why not?
Filed under: pets Tagged: advice, Alaskan Malamute, Dogs, legal, liability, pets 
