{"id":10762,"date":"2013-08-15T06:00:41","date_gmt":"2013-08-15T12:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/signs-blog.signs.com\/?p=10762"},"modified":"2026-06-10T20:57:38","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T02:57:38","slug":"beware-of-dog-signs-protecting-you-your-dogs-and-your-visitors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/signs-blog.signs.com\/blog\/beware-of-dog-signs-protecting-you-your-dogs-and-your-visitors\/","title":{"rendered":"Beware of Dog Signs: Protecting You, Your Dogs, And Your Visitors"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Having a dog is fantastic. It can improve your social interaction, blood pressure, cholesterol, stress levels, and overall health. Dogs make great companions, they\u2019re great with kids, and they\u2019re not terribly expensive to have as pets.<\/p>

In addition to being man\u2019s best friend, it turns out a dog can also be extremely beneficial when it comes to safety and protection. Having a dog or two can help deter thieves and unwanted trespassers. In Jack MacLane\u2019s study, \u201cSecrets of a Superthief,\u201d he concludes that 95 percent of thieves and burglars are deterred by dogs.<\/p>

But your dogs can also be a huge liability. If your dog ends up biting another animal or a human, you could be sued for any damages and oftentimes more. Sometimes his desire to protect you can even cost your dog his life.<\/p>

That\u2019s why it\u2019s critical to mitigate your risks of liability in any way that you can. One of the best ways to protect yourself \u2014 and your dog \u2014 is to tell people you have a dog on your property by posting clear and visible signs.<\/p>

The way in which signage protects you varies greatly from state to state so it\u2019s critical that you know what your state laws say. I have gone through each state\u2019s laws on dogs to determine whether or not having a sign posted would prove to be beneficial to you. I have also included some of our relevant sign design templates for you if you\u2019d like.<\/p>

Disclaimer: I don\u2019t profess to be a lawyer. I am giving you my interpretation of the legal swamp I waded through for you. You\u2019re\u00a0welcome. Also, if you want real legal advice, you need to consult a lawyer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\"Usa\n\n<\/a>

\nAlabama\n<\/h2>
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Alabama offers no written protection through \u201cbeware of dog\u201d signage. However, your dog owner liability is significantly lessened if someone trespasses on your property. That means having a \u201cno trespassing\u201d sign could definitely help your case.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nAlaska\n<\/h2>
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Alaska offers no protection with signage. In fact, any dog considered vicious can be lawfully killed if it is running at large.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nArizona\n<\/h2>
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Arizona law provides that a person with knowledge of a dog\u2019s vicious propensity must also keep the dog in an enclosed yard or confined area with a sign indicating the dog\u2019s vicious tendencies.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nArkansas\n<\/h2>
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Arkansas offers no protection through signage. You may want to consider dog bite liability insurance.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nCalifornia\n<\/h2>
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California offers no protection through signage.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nColorado\n<\/h2>
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A dog owner shall not be liable to a person who suffers bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death from being bitten by the dog: While the person is on property of the dog owner and the property is clearly and conspicuously marked with one or more posted signs stating \u201cno trespassing\u201d or \u201cbeware of dog\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nConnecticut\n<\/h2>
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Offers no protection through signage.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nDelaware\n<\/h2>
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If Delaware officials find a dog to be dangerous, the owner must display a sign warning that a dangerous dog is on the premises. The sign must be visible and legible from the roadway or 100 feet, whichever is less.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nFlorida\n<\/h2>
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Unless the person is under the age of six or if the damages caused by the dog are because of some other negligence on the owners part, if the owner has displayed a sign in a prominent place on their property that is easily readable and has the words \u201cBad Dog\u201d, the owner is then not liable.
Owners of dogs classified as \u201cdangerous\u201d must post a clearly visible warning sign at every entry point of the property. It must warn children and adults alike about a dangerous dog on the property.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nGeorgia
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Owners of dogs classified as \u201cdangerous\u201d or even \u201cpotentially dangerous\u201d must post clearly visible warning signs noting a dangerous dog at every entrance of the property where the dog resides.
Owners of dogs classified as \u201cvicious\u201d must post clearly visible warning signs of a vicious dog at every entrance of the property where the dog resides.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nHawaii\n<\/h2>
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If you have clear warning signs of a dog adequately posted on your property, then a person who is not licensed or privileged to enter or remain on your property is liable for any damage from the animal.
Posting a \u201cno trespassing\u201d sign may to mitigate any potential liability\u00a0as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nIdaho\n<\/h2>
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Offers no protection through signage.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nIllinois\n<\/h2>
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Offers no protection through signage.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nIndiana\n<\/h2>
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Under Indiana\u2019s common law, all dogs are presumed to be harmless which means that the plaintiff will basically have to claim negligence on the owner\u2019s part. It would most likely help the dog owner\u2019s case if he\/she had a couple of warning signs up on the property.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nIowa\n<\/h2>
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Liable unless you can prove that the person was engaged in an unlawful act such as trespassing. Throw up a \u201cno trespassing\u201d sign on your property and you\u2019ll certainly have a better case.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nKansas\n<\/h2>
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In general, if you have no reason to believe that your dog would bite someone and it does, you will not be held liable. Obviously, this will only work the first time.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nKentucky\n<\/h2>
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Offers no written protection through signage. In fact, if anyone witnesses a dog attacking a human, they can kill it without any liability.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nLouisiana\n<\/h2>
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If you own a dog classified as \u201cdangerous,\u201d then you have a responsibility to post signs no more than 30 feet apart and at every single entrance point of your property.\u00a0The signs must bear the words, \u201cbeware of dog,\u201d or \u201cdangerous dog,\u201d in letters at least three-and-one-half inches high and must be readily visible to any person approaching the enclosure.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nMaine\n<\/h2>
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Offers no written protection through signage. In fact, if your dog bites someone even if they trespass on your property, that won\u2019t\u00a0reduce the damages they can recover for any physical injury they incur.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

\nMaryland\n<\/h2>
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Offers no written protection through signage. In fact, any person may kill any dog which he sees in the act of pursuing, attacking, wounding, or killing any poultry or livestock, or attacking human beings whether or not such dog bears the proper license tag required by these provisions. There shall be no liability on such persons in damages or otherwise for such killing.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nMassachusetts\n<\/h2>
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Your liability is seriously mitigated if someone is caught trespassing on your property. Make sure you have a \u201cno trespassing\u201d sign posted on your property.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nMichigan\n<\/h2>
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You are absolutely liable for any injury your dog may cause, unless the person was trespassing on your property. Your liability will be much less if you have a \u201cno trespassing\u201d sign on your property.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nMinnesota\n<\/h2>
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Owners of dangerous dogs must post their property with a\u00a0clearly-visible\u00a0warning sign that includes a symbol to inform children that the dog is on the property. Dangerous dog liability insurance may is an additional avenue to pursue.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

\nMississippi\n<\/h2>
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In Mississippi, there is no written protection through signage. If your dog bites someone, he\/she must prove that your dog was dangerous prior to the attack or that you should have known it was dangerous. In this case, it may prove beneficial to have no-trespassing signs up on your property instead.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nMissouri\n<\/h2>
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As the owner, you are liable if your dog bites someone up to the amount the courts determine you are at fault. If you can prove that the victim was at fault as well, your liability will decrease by the percentage that you can prove fault by the victim. Having a \u201cbeware of dog\u201d sign and \u201cno trespassing\u201d signs could certainly prove to be helpful in placing some of that fault on the victim.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nMontana\n<\/h2>
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You are liable for any damage your dog does as long as the other party is not doing anything illegal. Again, it may prove to be beneficial to have \u201cno trespassing\u201d signs at each entry to your property to mitigate your liabilities.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nNebraska\n<\/h2>
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The owner of what is considered a dangerous dog must post warning signs on the property where the dog is kept that are clearly visible from all areas of public access and that inform persons that a dangerous dog is on the property. Each warning sign shall be no less than ten inches by twelve inches and shall contain the words \u201cwarning\u201d and \u201cdangerous animal\u201d in high-contrast lettering at least three inches high on a black background.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nNevada\n<\/h2>
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In order to be liable for dog bite injuries, the victim must prove that you were negligent and that your negligence caused your injuries. This means that having dog warning signs would definitely be beneficial in helping protect you from negligence.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nNew Hampshire\n<\/h2>
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As the owner, you are held strictly liable of any injury unless the plaintiff is found guilty of trespassing. Once again, the \u201cno trespassing\u201d sign comes into play here.
Also, if you want or have an official guard dog on your property, you must have a sufficient number of signs on your property to adequately warn the public.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nNew Jersey\n<\/h2>
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If you have a dangerous dog, you must have signs that are visible and legible from at least 50 feet away that give proper warning of the dog<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nNew Mexico\n<\/h2>
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If you own a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog in New Mexico, you must post clearly visible warning signs with clear warning symbols indicating a dangerous dog on the property. The signs must be clearly visible to the public from 50 feet away.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nNew York\n<\/h2>
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In New York,\u00a0there is no written protection of your\u00a0canine\u00a0through signage. However, you still may be able to lessen the damages that could be claimed if you have clear and sufficient signage notifying the public of your dog.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nNorth Carolina\n<\/h2>
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There is no written protection of your dog through signage. However, you may be able to lessen the plaintiff\u2019s case of negligence if you had clearly visible \u201cbeware of dog\u201d and \u201cno trespassing\u201d signs up.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nNorth Dakota\n<\/h2>
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There are no written protections for your dog through signage in North Dakota.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nOhio\n<\/h2>
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If you own a dangerous or vicious dog, you are required by law to have posted clearly visible signs at your residence warning both minors and adults of the presence of a dangerous dog on the property.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nOklahoma\n<\/h2>
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If you own a dangerous dog, you are required to post clearly visible warning signs that there is a dangerous dog on the property. You must also display a sign with a warning symbol that informs children of the presence of a dangerous dog.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nOregon\n<\/h2>
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In Oregon, if the victim can prove negligence as the reason for the injury, you will be held liable. Having danger: dog signs and \u201cno trespassing\u201d signs could help you prove that you were not negligent.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nPennsylvania\n<\/h2>
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If you own a dangerous dog, you are required by law to post clearly visible signs that warn of a dangerous dog on the property. You must also display a sign with a warning symbol informing children of a dangerous dog.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nRhode Island\n<\/h2>
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If you own a vicious dog, you must display signs warning people of your dog. Your signs must be clearly visible and capable of being read from a public street.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nSouth Carolina\n<\/h2>
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South Carolina contains no written laws helping to avoid liability of your dangerous or potentially dangerous dog through signage. However, if you are training bird dogs, you have to post a sign every 150 feet or less that designates the area as \u201cPrivate Bird Dog Training\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nSouth Dakota\n<\/h2>
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South Dakota has no written laws mitigating liabilities through signage. However, a victim must prove the owner\u2019s negligence in order to win a claim. If you as the owner put up signs warning people about your dog as well as \u201cno trespassing\u201d signs, this could potentially limit your liabilities.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nTennessee\n<\/h2>
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Tennessee has a very strict liability statute: There is no liability for a dog that is protecting someone from being attacked. For you to be held liable, the non-attacking victim must prove negligence on your part. Having \u201cbeware of dog\u201d signs and\/or \u201cno trespassing\u201d signs will help to mitigate your risks of being negligent.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nTexas\n<\/h2>
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If you own a dangerous dog, it must be in an enclosure on your property which is clearly marked as containing a dangerous dog.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nUtah\n<\/h2>
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In Utah, the amount of liability you have is determined by comparative fault. As a dog owner, this means if you can prove that the plaintiff is 30% liable, you are only 70% liable. Having dog warning signs and \u201cno trespassing\u201d signs at the entrances of your property, as well as near any enclosures for your animal, should help to make the plaintiff more liable.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nVermont\n<\/h2>
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In Vermont, the victim of an injury provoked by a dog must prove negligence by the dog\u2019s owner. As the owner, having signs warning people of the risk of entering your property could help to lessen any negligence claims.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nVirginia\n<\/h2>
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Owners of dangerous dogs must post signs that are clearly visible to both adults and minors warning them of the dog on the property.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nWashington\n<\/h2>
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If you have a dog that has ever inflicted severe injury on a human or domestic animal, you are required to post a sign conspicuously placed on your property that warns people that a dangerous dog is on the property. You must also display a warning symbol of some kind that will warn children of the presence of a dangerous dog.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\nWest Virginia\n<\/h2>
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West Virginia does not have any written laws lessening your liability through signage. In fact, if your dog is running at large (without a leash) and injures someone, you will be held liable. Your negligence does not have to be proven. Your dog liability is high in this state.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nWisconsin\n<\/h2>
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Wisconsin offers no protection through signage.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nWyoming\n<\/h2>
\n

Wyoming does not offer any written protection through signage. The victim must prove negligence on the owner\u2019s behalf with allows the owner to try to lessen their own liabilities through having clearly visible signage on their property. Interestingly, a victim can recover (get money) by showing that your dog has dangerous propensities and they can prove that just by showing that the breed of the dog can have dangerous propensities.<\/p>

Although I\u2019m not a lawyer, I will say this: Even if your state doesn\u2019t claim any written protection for you or your dog through signage, in my opinion, warning people is still a good idea. The mere fact that you have a sign up may prevent people from trespassing for fear of getting bit. That alone potentially lessens your chances of being sued. Also, having signs posted warning people of the dangers of entering your property may still potentially lessen your liabilities, even if your state doesn\u2019t specifically say it will.<\/p>

In my opinion, if you have a dog, have a sign.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><\/main>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Having a dog is fantastic. It can improve your social interaction, blood pressure, cholesterol, stress levels, and overall health. Dogs make great companions, they\u2019re great with kids, and they\u2019re not terribly expensive to have as pets.In addition to being man\u2019s best friend, it turns out a dog can also be extremely beneficial when it comes […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":13932,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","_breakdance_hide_in_design_set":false,"_breakdance_tags":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1215],"tags":[396,551,552,666,658,164],"class_list":["post-10762","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rules-and-compliance","tag-beware-of-dog","tag-dog","tag-dog-liability","tag-products","tag-small-business","tag-templates"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBeware of Dog: Signage That Can Decrease Dog Liability<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you are a dog owner, there some liabilities that come with that title. Having beware of dog signs up on your property will help to decrease your liability in most states. Find out about your state here.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.signs.com\/blog\/beware-of-dog-signs-protecting-you-your-dogs-and-your-visitors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Beware of Dog: Signage That Can Decrease Dog Liability\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you are a dog owner, there some liabilities that come with that title. Having beware of dog signs up on your property will help to decrease your liability in most states. 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