apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Joanna -

Congrats! What kind?

I have two hyper active ones, a Jack Russell mix and a Bichon mix.

They're very vocal when people come so I found a doormat that has a goofy picture of a dog and says something about an unbalanced dog. It was only a few bucks at the grocery store (Fred Meyers).

People always get a good laugh when they see the doormat and the see the dogs that are obviously eager to greet visitors.

But then I also put up a hand lettered sign that says "Please remove shoes - pants optional" so that adds to the wackiness.

(I sell Persian rugs out of my home as a sideline so that's why I don't allow shoes inside).

I think you've just given George a great idea!! :)

I've seen a "Warning, protected by [insert dog breed here] Security System" doormat - not quite as classy as the French of course.

I might have to pick up that "Hamster Vorace" sign.

I'm curious - why do you have to put up a "Beware of Dog" sign? Is it a rule in your building?

Maybe I have a less-refined visitors, door-to-door sales people and service personnel, but isn't Francais a bit presumptuous?

How about something like this:
http://www.remmeer.com/affectionate-dog-warning-sign-p-857.html

I remember someone in my family had a handmade sign (I believe it was carved into wood) that said "Be wary of the dog." I liked it. Got the point across, hinted to etymology (always a plus), not too bossy.

that's funny - my cat's (roxy) nickname is meatwad - i should put up a sign saying "vegetarians beware - protected by a meatwad" ;-)

Wow, I pity the poor person who doesn't know French.

We were given a sign that reads (pretentiously, I know, I know):

Chien Bizarre

Even non-French speakers love it. Particularly when they meet our incredibly friendly Yorkie.

Joanna - check out the Target website.

I was trying to see if they happened to carry one like mine (they don't).

They have some really cute "Protected by" - fill-in-the-breed doormats.

I may have to get the "Protected by Jack Russell Terrier Home Security System. 24 Hour Monitoring" one.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=1-9/qid=1181678492/ref=sr_1_9/601-7752312-7206539?ie=UTF8&asin=B00020O5D6

Great question! And one I've been pondering myself. As the caretaker of two large American Staffordshire Terriers, I need a sign.

But not for the seemingly obvious reasons.

One dog is so mellow and laid back that she generally can't be bothered with, you know, people. The other dog is an excited tinkler. Does anyone make a sign for that??

(But seriously, I need a sign for the back fence just to give nefarious folks a heads-up.)

More :

http://www.designerdoormats.com/default.php?cPath=226

Stacks and Stacks has a hilarious "beware of Cat doormat. "This is not a joke..."

http://www.stacksandstacks.com/html/80032_door-mat-this-is-not-a-joke.htm

And of course a waring from an insane dog's diary :

http://www.stacksandstacks.com/html/80056_door-mat-the-dog-day-751.htm

And "Dog is hiding in bhushes behind you. Act as if nothing is wrong"

http://www.designerdoormats.com/product_info.php?products_id=3347

I just ordered this one...it's perfect.

http://www.designerdoormats.com/product_info.php?products_id=3708

What about one of those signs you put in your window to let firefighters know that there's a dog inside? That lets people know about the dog, but indirectly, so it doesn't sound bossy/ominous.

I think the French sign would not make any sense to those who do not speak French. Since the purpose of having the sign is actually to warn people about a dog rather than have a cute-looking sign, I'm not sure this solves the original problem.

Personally- I like this one- customizable for specific breed of dog: http://www.dogsigns.com/categories/Australian_Shepherd/order_forms/mig.html

This isn't a door mat - sorry - but it's dog related and cute. These guys make some cool dog tags. I've had the "rub my tummy" one bookmarked for a couple of years now. And the "doggie all natural spa pack".

http://www.modernartisans.com/images/HP0074_3.jpg

http://www.modernartisans.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=78

My dog wears one of these to warn visitors- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6187411

though they soon learn...yikes

How about this:

http://www.cafepress.com/dogs_of_war.82263017

Hello,

Just wanted to say that The French Number Co will make any size or colour sign and in any language. If you can decide exactly what it is you would like your sign to say - e-mail mailorder@thefrenchnumber.com and we will do a layout for you, so you can see what it would look like.

Hope we can be of help to you.

How about "Dog on the premises"?

Lets pople know of the dog's existence, but doesn't include any scaremongering or unduly worrisome wording...

Go to www.KnobNots.com. They have breed specific door signs that are a friendly and humorous beware of dog sign. They also have breeds I've never seen anywhere else. The signs look like hangers and they say they won't scratch the door and are portable. At $3.50 a sign, it's an inexpensive way to get the message across.

Susi