Dogs and the Postman

[amonty1144]

My GSD lives between the house and a kennel when I'm at work but mostly she is in the house. We have a conservatory that opens off the house and a back gaden where she roams. I keep the gate bolted and there is a warning sign on the gate. Our postman has been told on numerous occassions not to enter the conservatory or the back garden but he keeps doing it. Now we have a new postie and today i found him in the garden. I am worried that she might bite one of them i.e because she finds them in the house.
any tips on how to keep them out and is it their fault is she bites them?

[lankeela]

Put a postbox on the outside somewhere so the postie doesn't need to come in. In answer to your questions is it
their fault if she bites them - NO! It is your fault for keeping a 'dangerous' dog. (Also make sure your notice on the gate only says 'please close the gate' or 'dog running loose' as if you put 'beware of the dog' you are admitting you have a dangerous dog). You would even get done if she bit a burglar, such is the stupid way our laws work. Make sure they can't get in.

[jules77]

Can you put a chain and padlock on the gate, as even if you get a postbox on the outside, any couriers delivering parcels may still feel the need to come into the garden. I have found some parcels in some very strange locations, one was on top of the car port roof for nearly a week before we noticed it, and I am sure if there was a way into the garden they would have come in.

Yes unfortunately, if your dog bites someone, even a burglar, in your own home, it is your fault.

[amonty1144]

The post box is on the outside but they still come in, i have a "Dog running loose sign" and they've been into the conservatory which is part of the house. (the door doesn't lock)I can't chain the gate due to it's design and I'm really struggling.

[kita1]

I suspect that your only option under the law is only to let her in the garden when you are there, keep her in the locked house when you are out.

I would tend to do that anyway as there are alot of people around who could either steal your dog, deliberately let her out, throw poisoned meat to her, or even (god forbid) shoot her with a air gun or crossbow etc. Sadly there are some VERY sick people around.

A local garage owner has a GSDxRottie that he keeps as a guard dog. He was told by the police that he was not allowed to let it run free around the garage at night - it had to be kept on a chain, if anyone broke in and got bitten he would be liable and could be prosecuted.

Crazy isn't it!!!

[wiggal]

Kita,

you have me worried about my boy being out now!
I do know someone who had there dog killed by some one throwing a bone covered in antifreeze over the fence (shes an online friend & it was a few years ago now but so horrendous.

But my dog would be very unhappy & uncomfortable being locked in, he loves being outside.

[wildwood]

I have a slight memory of there being some (by)law that there must be access to your entrance door to the house in case legally entitled persons wish to knock on your door; police, warranted persons etc.

If the locked gate blocks the way to your door you may be breaking the law. Crazy, I know.

If the postie was in the garden when there was no reason for him being there you must report them. They have no business being in your private property except to delived the mail/parcel.

[bednobs]

not that this answers your question at all but my dog bit the postman this week and i have never been so mortified.

[kita1]

Sorry to scare you Wiggal!!

I know it is good to leave dogs (and you should be able to!) in your own garden, but sadly I have read of too many cases recently of dogs being stolen from gardens.

Think about it - unfortunately it is easy money, especially if said dog is friendly. They can sell a dog - or even hold it for ransom (how much would you pay to get your dog back).

A dog like a GSD, or any pedigree dog can be easily sold on, especially if you take it to another county, better to be safe than sorry.

I could not live with myself if one of my pets got stolen and held for ransom - or even just disappeared.

[chysun]

Ring your local office and make a complaint !!!!! They can also put a note on the frame your post is sorted into as to where to put your post and warning temp postmen that there is a dog a your location and of your arrangement. In other words make sure you cover yourself and your dog !! they have no right to enter your property ! Make sure you get names of the people you talk to to be able to ref. to them at later dates if need be.

[Snappy]

I was told that having a sign on your gate saying anything like, 'beware of the dog', or 'dogs roaming free', or 'caution dogs around' isn't enough. If you have one of these and someone goes in your garden and gets bitten, you will be held responsible because those signs are like an admission of having a dangerous dog. You must have a sign saying DO NOT ENTER DOGS RUNNING FREE. This way, you've covered your back by saying DO NOT enter and if they still do, its their fault!