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Q:

If my Doberman kills in self defense someone who was being hostile in my property, would I face any legal issues?

Hi everyone,

I recently got a Doberman to help guard my property, as I live alone and want to have some extra protection. I know that Dobies can be aggressive towards strangers, but I've trained mine extensively and he's always been a great guardian without any incidents.

However, the other day, I had a very hostile individual trespass onto my property. I asked him to leave and warned him that I had a protective dog. He continued on, and my Doberman ended up attacking and killing him in what was clearly an act of self defense.

Now, I'm wondering if I could potentially face any legal issues because of this. I didn't want anyone to get hurt, but I also needed to protect myself and my property. Would the fact that my dog was defending me and my property be enough to clear me of any legal issues?

Thanks for your help!

All Replies

vonrueden.shad

Hi there,

I can totally relate to your situation as I had a similar experience with my Rottweiler a few years ago. I also live alone and got my dog for added protection. One day, a man tried to break into my house and my Rottweiler ended up attacking and injuring him.

At first, I was really worried about the legal implications of the situation. But after talking with my lawyer and explaining the circumstances, it was determined that my dog was acting within the bounds of self defense and defending my property. In the end, I didn't face any legal issues.

Of course, every situation and jurisdiction is different, so it's important to consult with a lawyer who understands the relevant laws in your area. But in general, if your dog is acting in self defense and protecting you and your property, you should be in the clear.

I hope this helps alleviate some of your concerns! Stay safe.

tiana.keeling

Hey,

I am sorry to hear about your situation. I think it is important to act carefully when owning a trained protective dog especially like a Doberman or Rottweiler. Unfortunately, my experience is quite different; my pet German Shepherd attacked a neighbor without any provocation.

What got me into trouble was that I was not present when the incident occurred, and my dog was not leashed outside my property. I am now being sued for personal injury, and the incident could have been much worse if it were not for the neighbor's quick thinking.

I have learned that even if you have a well-trained dog, the responsibility of handling them rests entirely on you. It's always best to keep them leashed and to make sure you know your dog's potential to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

In your case, I suppose you have no problem because it's evident that your Doberman was acting in self-defense. Make sure you have adequate documentation of the incident, and consult with a lawyer who is well-experienced with cases like yours.

Stay safe!

jaron.johnson

Hello all,

I'd like to provide a different perspective on the situation. I live in an area where dog attacks are not uncommon, and I've seen firsthand how quickly things can escalate.

While I understand the need to want to protect yourself and your property, it's important to remember that dogs are animals with unpredictable behavior. One moment, they can be calm and friendly, and the next moment, they can become aggressive and dangerous.

Even if your dog is well-trained and obedient, it's still essential to be cautious around strangers and visitors. Always inform them of the presence of your dog, and if possible, put your dog in a different area away from your guests.

Also, make sure your dog is registered with your local animal control and up to date on all their vaccinations. This is especially important if your dog ends up biting someone, as you may be held liable for any medical bills and other damages.

In conclusion, I understand the desire to have a protection dog, but it's vital to approach it with caution and mindfulness. Stay safe, and always be aware of potential risks.

kelvin.mann

Hello everyone,

I'd like to share my experience with my Doberman and how I went about training him to be a guard dog. My Doberman is now 3 years old, and I got him because I live alone in a relatively unsafe neighborhood.

I enrolled him in an intensive training program that also incorporated obedience and agility training. This program did a great job of teaching my dog how to react in specific situations and also how to follow commands.

One thing I learned was how essential it is to socialize the dog for them to become less aggressive towards strangers. For this reason, I would take him on long walks at crowded areas like parks, pet stores, or around the block to familiarize himself with people and other animals.

Additionally, I always keep my dog on a leash and supervise him whenever I have guests over. I make sure that he is well-fed and well-exercised to make him less aggressive when guarding my home.

In conclusion, while protection dogs can offer excellent security, it's essential to take the right steps to ensure they are well-trained and socialized to avoid any accidents. Taking these proactive measures will help mitigate any legal trouble you may face in the future. Good luck and stay safe!

lorine.sanford

Hello,

I just want to say that I'm sorry you're going through this, as it can be quite traumatizing. I run a small Rottweiler breeding business, and I always advise my clients to seek the services of a professional dog trainer before owning a protection dog.

Personally, I was once faced with a situation where my Rottweiler almost attacked someone who was trying to steal from my property. Luckily, I was around at the time and was able to call my dog back. I realized I could never be fully accountable for my dog's behavior, especially in these kinds of situations.

Therefore, to avoid any potential issues or lawsuits, I've had a 6-foot fence installed around my property to keep unwanted individuals out. I also have warning signs up to deter any potential trespassers.

In conclusion, while protection dogs are great for security reasons - it's advisable to exercise caution and be prepared for any situations that may arise. If you do face any legal issues like this, it's best to have a qualified attorney with expertise in pet law.

I hope things work out for you. Stay safe!

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