Watch dogs are a mixed blessing!

[thebritt]

In the past, our queensland/beagle/pitt boy (neutered, of course) has been pretty defensive of our property - once someone crosses "the line" (comes thru the gate) WITH NO FAMILY MEMBERS present, he gets very defensive (well, actually, he's been known to bite - so far no skin broken - he's 11 yrs old). Should I be concerned? We live in an area where we have a few local "tweakers", and I feel he's been a great deterrant. However, he bit the pant leg of my daughter's boyfriend ((she's old enough to have one!) (granted, it was at 11pm @ night)).
This dog has seriously prevented "undesirables" from coming into the yard.
He does his job well.
But I really don't want him to get into trouble for doing his job.
Can he, if he's in his own yard? Do I need to keep him inside @ night/
He's also really good at killing rats and skunks

.
I have a sign that says "Dogs in yard". I've heard that if the sign says anything about "Beware" , then you're liable.

 

[Amyable]

Common sense says if an owners' dog bites someone who is trespassing, it's the fault of the trespasser. Unfortunately, common sense is long dead. I would probably start keeping him in at night; better than getting sued.

 

[cw]

where you from? i believe thats gonna have a lot more to do with an answer then anyother factor

 

[thebritt]

I live in a semi-rural part of Humboldt County, Ca.
Our neighborhood has everyone from teachers and environmental engineers to meth-heads and drunks (which parade up and down the road at all hours).
I really appreciate that this dog is so defensive - However, I don't like that anyone I know could be injured.
There have been several incidents where this dog has prevented truly unsavory types from coming into our yard.

 

[LupineLass]

I don't know about there, but here in Australia, you can have a Beware of dog sign but not one that says Guard Dog or anything like that without insurance.

Also people are meant to have free and safe access TO your front door from your pedestrian access point in your fence "gate".

My sign says "Dog makes the gate in 2.5seconds, How fast are you?"

 

[anngili]

Well, you could always get some of those signs that say "I love my Pit Bulls" and hang them on the outside of your fence. If they were visible at night, it might help you keep your dog in and the undesirables out. Just have a quick way to let your dog out if he starts raising heck at night. You can then let him loose on trespassers if need be. His barking alone will probably be some deterrent, at least to those thinking about coming into the house.
Maybe even a "hot wire" running along the top of the fence. That can sometimes make them believe that the dog can come over that fence after them and they'll want to look for an easier target then.

ETA: I really like the "My dog makes the gate in 2.5 seconds. How fast are you?" idea, too. I'm going to make something like that for my gate, too! The postman and delivery drivers will get a kick out of it; my dog loves them but will bark at most anyone else!

 

[cw]

Quote:
you said california, i would keep the leashed, pen, etc

 

[redhen]

I would keep him leashed or in your house. (if you cant be right by his side)... Because any dog that has put his teeth aganist a human is a BIG liability...your daughters boyfriend isnt a tweaker, is he? And yet the dog still went after him...not a good sign!.. Thats the reason i will NEVER let my dogs be guard dogs...you'll be in a big mess if that dog gets confused and attacked the wrong person...((which he's already done..))
please keep the dog safe...so he dosent have to suffer (be put down) or you get sued....
Also..put a lock of some kind on your front entrance gate...so people cant just walk into your yard.. Good luck!

 

[Brindlebtch]

Keep the dog in the house at night. He'll probably let you know from there if there is anything in the yard you need to worry about.

I was told by a personal injury lawyer that it is OK to have a sign that says: Warning - Dogs loose in yard.

What's a tweaker?

 

[thebritt]

Quote:
I had started a thread a few weeks ago about that topic, and someone apparently responded inappropriately, so the mod shut it down. But just FYI, a tweaker is someone who uses methamphetamines (speed) and tends to be up and about all night.