University of Maryland Extension

Is Hanging a "Beware of Dog" Sign a Good Idea?

Author: 
Paul Goeringer
Post date: 
Aug 11, 2014

Note: This blog is not a substitute for legal advice.

            When dealing with dogs (or any domesticated animal), an owner may face potential liability for injuries caused by his/her dog.  Many of you often wonder if hanging a “Beware of Dog” sign and good idea?  Does hanging the sign admit that you believe your dog to be dangerous?  Are you just hanging it to scare away potential unknown visitors and your little puppy would never hurt a fly?  Let’s look first at the theories of liability you can be sued under and how the Maryland courts have treated “Beware of Dog” signs in the past.

To learn more about this topic, click here.

Tags: 
negligence
dog bites
assumption of the risk
beware of dog
strict liability
ALEI
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