Beware of Dog - Page 3

I saw one a few years ago and have been looking to buy one ever since. It had a picture of a doberman and it said "Be Aware of Dog".   At first glance it seems like Beware of Dog but legally it doesn't and just says to be be aware there's one in the fence.

I wish I could find it.

The comments given so far seem to denote that the sign "Beware of Dog" will have a legal implication for owners who display such sign at their premises.

I have checked dictionary for the meaning of the word "Beware".  According to the dictionary, it means "be on guard, take care".  It  doesn't in anyway implies that there is a dangerous dog around. It merely notifies or announces that there is a dog in the premise.  I'm not legally trained, but I understand that the Courts of Law use 3 General Rules/Principles of Construction when interpreting words.

1. The literal rule

Where there is no ambiguity, the literal rule decrees that the ordinary meaning of the words to be used.  This is sometimes known as  "the plain meaning rule" rule.

 2. The golden rule

This rule requires that the Act of Parliament (Highest Body that formulates policies) should be read in such a way as to avoid a result of manifest absurdity or injustice.  Where a section or word has more than one possible meaning, one of which gives an absurd or an injust result, and another which does not, the golden rule requires that the latter be chosen. Therefore, the literal meaning of the words may be modified only to the extent of avoiding absurdity and inconsistency.

3. The mischief rule

This rule is used to find the meaning of a section when that meaning is ambiguous or obsure.

Hence, the sign "Beware of Dog" cannot by itself implies that there is a dangerous dog in the premise. It merely inform the world at large there is a dog inthe premise..

We had an incident with a neighbor compaining about our male GSD barking at him thru the fence about 8 months ago.  The police officer, who was also a "dog" person told us to post signs on all sides of the  fence stating "bad dog" and to keep the gates locked.  If anyone enters the yard, according to him, they would be liable as we did what we were supposed to do and gave fair warning that they are "Bad Dogs" and will bite you if you come in. 

Also, I believe that the more simple the wording, the less likely for "ignorance or language" barriers being a problem.  Of course we may need to start putting up multi-linqual signs.

You could try a simple combination lock to avoid the "key" hassle.  On one gate, we actually hang the key just inside where we can reach it but it is not easily found by others.

Hope this helps you.

Our signs read:

Apache on Guard (with sihouette of a German Shepherd in a stack)

and

German Shepherd Crossing (displaying yet another German Shepherd in a stack)

Not threatening pics at all but, subtle warnings to inform someone there are German Shepherds on the property.  Nothing states they will bite however, "on Guard" is used on one which would make the reasonable person aware the dog is guarding...duh)

I was very careful about the wording and what the pics portrayed simply because I too have heard the "Beware of Dog" signs can and sometimes do work against you yet, I've also heard the other argument stating "there was no warning".

I believe that is precisely where the socializing of our dogs comes into play.  The "regular" group of people that you would associate with would know your dog(s) to be decent, upstanding, respectable K-9 members of society in the event the "stranger" that was trespassing and was possibly bitten and trying to sue you or what have you.  There would be "evidence" or witnesses to the dog's ability to get along with society when not in his/her guardian state of mind on his/her property.

I hope that made sense.  I know what I wanted to say but, possibly did not articulate well.

This is why I take my dogs everywhere I am allowed and try to get them used to all sorts of people.  When they are at home, they will still protect and guard but, they will have built a "reputation" for being decent dogs otherwise.  I've read where this can really be an issue called on if the unthinkable happens.

 I like the Be Aware sign, that's very clever: I love the Beware owner...I also like the bumper sticker "the car is unlocked & they keys are under the German Shepherd Dog!" jh