Beware dog sign in Exeter
Professional beware dog sign services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
10-15 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Beware dog sign mounted securely where visitors can see it before they encounter your dog. Simple legal protection that takes 10 minutes.
The Sign That's Been In The Shed For Six Months
You bought the "Beware of the Dog" sign. Good intentions. It's been in the shed ever since because you're not sure where to put it or how to mount it properly.
Meanwhile, your dog goes mental every time the postman comes. Delivery drivers are nervous. Your mate who popped round unannounced nearly had a heart attack.
💡 Pro tip: A properly mounted beware dog sign isn't just courtesy - it's legal protection. If your dog bites someone and there's no warning sign, you're in a much worse position legally.
Why This Matters
It's not about having a dangerous dog. It's about warning people so they don't surprise your dog (and your dog doesn't surprise them).
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ No Warning |
|---|---|
| Visitors warned before opening gate | Postman startled by barking dog |
| Legal protection if incident occurs | Worse legal liability |
| Mounted securely at visible height | Sign blown off in first wind |
| Professional appearance | Wonky, falling off, or illegible |
| Delivery drivers take precautions | Parcels lobbed over fence |
Where To Mount The Sign
🚪 Front Gate (Best Option) Everyone sees it before they enter. Clear warning before they encounter the dog.
🏠 Front Wall (No Gate) Next to or near the front door, somewhere visitors look before knocking/ringing.
🌿 Side Gate If you've got side access, worth a sign there too - tradies often use side gates.
🔙 Back Gate If back gate's used by delivery drivers or meter readers.
What I'll Do
🔧 The Process
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Position | Identify best location for visibility |
| Check Material | See what gate/fence/wall is made of |
| Mount Securely | Use appropriate fixings that won't fail |
| Test | Ensure sign's firmly attached, won't blow off |
🔩 Fixing Methods Depends on where it's going:
- Wooden gate/fence: Stainless screws (won't rust)
- Metal gate: Cable ties or wire fixing
- Brick/render wall: Rawlplugs and screws
- UPVC/composite: Non-drill adhesive fixings
- Temporary: Command strips or removable mounts
Pricing
| Service | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single sign mounting | 10-15 mins | £60 |
| Multiple signs | 15-20 mins | £60 |
| Supply + fit new sign | - | +£8-15 |
Based on £60 minimum. New signs charged at cost if needed (~£8-15 depending on size/quality).
Sign Types
If you need a new sign, I can supply and fit:
Standard Plastic Sign (£8-12) Weather-resistant, clear text, available in various sizes. Does the job.
Metal Sign (£12-15) More durable, professional look, lasts forever. Slightly more expensive but worth it.
Humorous Signs (£10-15) "Beware of the dog, the cat is not trustworthy either" type signs. Still a legal warning, bit more character.
Custom Signs (Varies) If you want specific text or design, I can advise on suppliers.
Why Choose Us for Beware dog sign in Exeter?
Mounted at visible height
Securely fixed (won't blow away)
Legal protection if dog reacts
Warns delivery drivers and visitors
What to Expect
Step 1: Site Assessment
Quick look at where the sign needs to go and what it's being fixed to. I'll advise best position if you're not sure.
Step 2: Mount Securely
Using appropriate fixings for the material, ensure sign's firmly attached and level.
Step 3: Check Visibility
Stand back, confirm it's obvious to approaching visitors. Job done.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to fit it yourself? Here's how:
🔧 Tools needed
- Drill (for wooden/masonry surfaces)
- Screwdriver
- Spirit level (if you care about it being level)
- Appropriate fixings (screws, rawlplugs, cable ties, or adhesive)
📍 Positioning
- Hold sign where you think it should go
- Ask someone to walk up to the gate/door
- Confirm they can see it clearly before they'd meet the dog
- Mark fixing positions
- Check it's roughly level (doesn't need to be perfect)
🔩 Fixing methods by material
Wooden gate/fence:
- Pre-drill pilot holes (stops wood splitting)
- Use stainless steel screws (won't rust and stain)
- Two fixings minimum (top corners usually)
Metal gate:
- Cable ties through existing holes work well
- Or use wire twisted through sign holes
- Small self-tapping screws if gate allows
Brick/render wall:
- Drill holes, insert rawlplugs
- Screw sign to wall
- Use weatherproof screws
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Mounting too low (dogs jump up, can obscure sign)
- Using fixings that rust (leaves ugly stains)
- One fixing only (sign rotates in wind)
- Inside the gate where it's not visible until too late
💡 Pro trick: If mounting on a gate that swings, ensure sign's readable from both directions if it's a double-sided design. Otherwise, mount on the side that faces approaching visitors.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Insurance purposes: Some home insurance policies require warning signs if you've got certain dog breeds. Worth checking your policy.
Legal position: In UK law, a beware dog sign shows you took "reasonable precautions" to warn visitors. It's not a complete defense if your dog bites someone, but it helps significantly.
Different messages: "Guard dog on duty," "Dog in garden," "Warning: dog," "Beware of the dog" - they're all legally equivalent. Choose whichever feels right.
Multiple dogs: You can get signs that say "Beware: dogs" (plural) if that's more accurate for your situation.
Exeter's older properties: Many Victorian/Edwardian front walls are stone or brick. Drilling into these needs the right drill bit (masonry bit) and proper rawlplugs. I've got both and know how to avoid crumbling old mortar.
Weather resistance: Proper outdoor signs should last years. If yours is faded or cracked, it's time for a new one - faded warnings aren't effective warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where's the best place to mount a beware dog sign?
Somewhere visitors see it BEFORE they open the gate or knock on the door. Front gate is ideal. If you don't have a front gate, on the front wall near the door. Needs to be obvious - head height is best.
Do I legally need a beware dog sign?
Not legally required, but very sensible. If your dog bites someone and there's no warning sign, you're in a much worse legal position. The sign shows you took reasonable precautions.
Will the sign damage my gate or fence?
I use appropriate fixings - screws for wooden gates/fences, cable ties or wire for metal gates. If you want it removable, I can use command strips or similar. Whatever works for your situation.
What if the sign's weathered and faded?
Time for a new one. If the warning's not legible, it's not doing its job. I can supply and fit a new sign if yours is past it. Proper metal or plastic signs last years.
Can you fit multiple signs?
Yes - if you've got front and back access, or side gates, worth having signs at each entry point. I can do them all at the same time.
Beware dog sign Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your beware dog sign job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Beware dog sign in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your beware dog sign job in Exeter today.