What Kind of Spider Is This?

I know this is going to sound completely crazy but I am terrified of spiders. I always have been. I am definately not one of those people that could ever watch Arachnophobia. LOL . I have one that lives right outside my front door.

I live in Dayton, Ohio, and this is a spider like I have never seen before. Now I have no pctures because I cannot get close enough to it. However, it is about 4 inches in diameter. It is tan with brown stripes on its legs (these stripes are like bands around his legs). He (?) has about eight white spots on its throat and upper chest, has no hair (fur) on any of his (?) body. The worst thing about him is that although he is as big as he is, he/her web goes all the way across my porch, and from top to bottom of my porch. Inother words, there is no way to go around it. You have to walk through it.

My question is if any one can tell me what it may be and if it can hurt my children. They are my main concern. I would also like to know if it could hurt my dog. If anyone can help me I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you so much in advance and have a wonderful day, Neocka

Most large web spinning spiders are garden orb weavers and not dangerous but its impossible to tell for sure without a photo
glen

Oh, I dont think it`ll hurt your children because they are usally scared of people, unless he it like REALLY mad. Dont be scared, I dont think he`ll (?) or she`ll (?) uh.... it`ll (Yes) will hurt you or your kids.