What if your dog jumps the fence?

[Anonymous]

If you have "Beware of Dog" posted and walkers INSIST on walking up close to your property and fence, VERY VERY SLOWLY (almost slow motion), and your dog jumps the fence, then what? There is plenty of room on the other side of the street, which would be safer for any walker. In addition, we have video surveillance (came with house) on all sides, so it will be clear that the other dog owner was antagonizing our dog (in spite of the postings). Furthermore, our grass cutter often lays down fertilizer (where our dog is not) and we have so posted. Is there anything else we can do?

[Anonymous]

What you can do is get a bigger fence in the back yard only that the dog can't see through. We have such a six foot fence, and none of a succession of very large dogs (we have lived here a long time) has ever jumped it.

[Anonymous]

If your dog jumps the fence, you need to track it down and take it home. There is nothing you can do about passersby having interacted with your dog.

We do not leave our dog in the yard unattended. She is only out there if one of us is there with her.

[Anonymous]

As a walker/jogger and someone who has 2 dogs, I don't think anyone should be expected to walk on the opposite side of the street because of a dog. You need to make sure your dog remains securely behind your fence.

[Anonymous]

OP here. We are not able to install a bigger fence on that side - it is not allowed. Even if we installed a fence that she could not see through, she could still see over it. When we brought her home, the (dog owner) was extremely pleased with our back yard and stated it was perfect for her. She was full grown at the time. She saw nothing wrong with the dog being able to reach the top and said we were not legally liable for anything. Especially if people go up to the fence. Is she right?

[Anonymous]

What kind of dog do you have?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have "Beware of Dog" posted and walkers INSIST on walking up close to your property and fence, VERY VERY SLOWLY (almost slow motion), and your dog jumps the fence, then what? There is plenty of room on the other side of the street, which would be safer for any walker. In addition, we have video surveillance (came with house) on all sides, so it will be clear that the other dog owner was antagonizing our dog (in spite of the postings). Furthermore, our grass cutter often lays down fertilizer (where our dog is not) and we have so posted. Is there anything else we can do?

Then you're liable for anything you dog does.

If this is the first time it's happened and you had no idea your dog could jump the fence, then you apologize profusely, take your dog inside and hire someone to build a higher fence. Otherwise you're an idiot and don't deserve to own a dog. If someone is "unsafe" walking on the sidewalk because of your dog then you either need a higher fence, or to have your dog put down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
OP here. We are not able to install a bigger fence on that side - it is not allowed. Even if we installed a fence that she could not see through, she could still see over it. When we brought her home, the (dog owner) was extremely pleased with our back yard and stated it was perfect for her. She was full grown at the time. She saw nothing wrong with the dog being able to reach the top and said we were not legally liable for anything. Especially if people go up to the fence. Is she right?

No, she's not. If your dog gets out of the fence and hurts someone it is definitely your responsibility.

[Anonymous]

OP here - last time today (on my way out), but appreciate your posts. It is a mixed breed. Very friendly, but not when people approach their property - same with most (if not all) dogs I know of.

[Anonymous]

OP again, forgot to mention - there is no sidewalk. It is unsafe on this side because of the way the streets are set up (no address to be given, of obvious reasons). I guess we'll have to ask our lawyer.

[Anonymous]

OP, why are you not allowed to get a bigger fence?

[Anonymous]

My last dog didn't care if people came on the property, so it's not all dogs. You shouldn't leave your dog unattended in the yard. If she's likely to jump the fence and you can't build a taller one, then she should be leashed. It's your responsibility even if she jumps and someone is standing on the grass egging her on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, why are you not allowed to get a bigger fence?

Probably because of an HOA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My last dog didn't care if people came on the property, so it's not all dogs. You shouldn't leave your dog unattended in the yard. If she's likely to jump the fence and you can't build a taller one, then she should be leashed. It's your responsibility even if she jumps and someone is standing on the grass egging her on.

Exactly. Why would you leave the dog out there unattended?

[Anonymous]

So are these people actually going on YOUR property? Or are they still staying on the street/other public property but close to your fence? No one has the obligation to avoid your side of the street because your dog can jump your fence. You either need to build a fence that CAN contain your dog, or if there is no way to do that in compliance with your HOA laws, you need to keep your dog leashed or inside.