Dutch Shepherd Forum

My Homeowners Ins. Co. has decided to write an "exclusion" into my policy for dogs (all breeds) and trampolines. I have never, in 40 years of insurance with this company, had a claim against my animals, and doubt that I will ever be inclined to have a trampoline. They did not (thankfully) mention equines.

Now I am wondering about a separate policy to cover Liability on my dogs. Does anyone do this / know of a reliable company that is licenced in NY? If you work your dog in protection sports, are they automatically deemed to be a dangerous animal? (Do you not mention that in your application?) What do you tell them in regard to your dogs breed?

No info here but very interested in an answer!

Shop around for a different company. Point out your perfect record and make sure you have good fences. Point out the good fences and any obedience training, awards, etc.. Also, bundle your cars, property and any other stuff you own so they know they will lose all your business if they won't cover the dogs.

And always remember, insurance doesn't prevent accidents. They only cover the smallest amount of the fix-it cost that they can get away with when something happens.

Finally, know the law in your state. My kelpie onced bit a lawyer's husband in the butt. She was harnessed into a sled team. He cut us off and then stabbed her in the face with a ski pole. She nipped him, not even ripping his pants, when she saw the pole swinging toward her again. By Illinois law, I was not responsible because he provoked the dog.

He had a tiny abrasion and drove himself about 15 miles to a trauma center ER, trying to make as much of it as he could. His wife's (or maybe it was the big baby's mommie) office demanded that I agreed to pay an unknown amount for damages. I called the Cook County Forest Preserve lawyer (where the trail was, north of Chicago) and he told me to fight it. He said the guy probably did it on purpose to initiate a lawsuit. He told me people try to sue the forest preserve every day for splinters or turned ankles. Bogus stuff.

Two poison pen letters to the law office that included how "scared" I was when this guy pulled his trousers down and demanded I come over (to see the wee (about the size of a quarter) abrasion on his leg), because so many women are assaulted in the parks every year. Right, i had three large dogs with me. I also doubled checked with the local police to see if exposing his pasty thighs could be prosecuted. Yes it can! for the benefit of his wife,I mentioned the color of his tight Calvin Kline briefs.

They gave up. It was scary at the time but I'm having a good laugh about it now!