All Forum Posts by: Heath M.

I have a mal-shepherd mix that I've competed with in PSA (protection sport association).  I stopped by and asked my insurance company and they told me they wouldn't provide me coverage if I wasn't already a customer simply because he was trained to bite.  And if he ever bites someone then they will drop me.

But the more I've worked my dog the more I've learned that I'd rather have a well trained dog than just a pet when it comes to larger breeds.  When a dog bites it releases endorphins and unless trained to let go you almost have to pry them off a bite.  Also a well socialized dog is a must, I take mine with me to Home Depot and Lowes all the time along with Pet Smart.  The more he's around people the better.  I can go anywhere off leash (usually have a small tab just dangling) and he stays right on my side.  Thankfully my dog loves people, especially kids and isn't dog aggressive in the slightest but I still watch him like a hawk when around a bunch of kids to make sure he doesn't get spooked/freaked out and do something stupid.

Having said all that, I'd still be worried...lol  I've had people be afraid to be on the same isle with me.  One lady screamed in Academy Sports because she turned the corner and saw him, she was bit at a young age.  

My tax guy recommended a good umbrella policy instead of a LLC. I've been leaning towards the LLC route along with an umbrella policy so far. Going to meet with an estate attorney soon to make sure I have my ducks in a row.

Thanks all so far, I understand I'm leaving a lot of equity tied up but it's been a goal to be mortgage free by 40.

It is a lot of cash tied up but that doesn't fit our goals, to have everything paid off.  

Plan to start with first rental property soon with a business partner.  Will have my primary residence paid off before we buy our first rental property and will also have the 20% down payment covered on first purchase.  How is the best way to protect my current residence?  My wife is more risk adverse than I am, and I'm pretty risk adverse myself and don't want to leverage my home (valued around 275k).  

I'm not too concerned with the first property but plan to add to it over the coming years, just want to protect my current assets and handle the business side separate.