The owner of a "rambunctious'' German Shepherd yesterday learned just how costly such a dog can be.

William Roland Parker, 57, of Jennings Bay Road, Southampton, was ordered to pay fines totalling $700 after he pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to keeping a dog that caused injury to someone and allowing the dog to stray.

A nanny -- Naty Vio of Evan's Bay Road -- was walking to a friend's house at 12.30 p.m. on August 25 when Parker's German Shepherd ran from a garden and jumped at her, biting her right elbow.

Prosecutor Sgt. Kenrick James said Vio reported the incident from her friend's house and the accused took her to hospital and paid for her treatment.

But he noted only a low wall separated Parker's garden from the road and it was the second time that the dog was allowed to stray.

"I did leave a gate inadvertently open and the dog ran out,'' Parker told Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis.

"I apologised to the lady. And I took her to hospital and paid for her care there. I have seen her since then and she is fine. She harbours no animosity.'' "My dog is a little rambunctious. He's a highly-motivated dog,'' Parker added. "Fortunately in this incident the wound was not serious.'' "But being jumped at by a German Shepherd is a terrifying experience,'' Mr.

Francis said.

"This is the second time that this has happened. I have to be concerned. I have to think about what would have happened if this was a two-year-old child.

It might have been more serious.

"You know the dog to be rambunctious. You have to be very strict with him.'' Fining Parker $200 on the first count and $500 on the second, Mr. Francis added: "I hope I've driven the message home pretty firmly''.