Gwyneth Paltrow: Sobs on Stand ... Stalker Forced Me to Get Attack Dog

Gwyneth Paltrow broke down on the stand Monday afternoon, testifying she's weary of fearing the man who's been stalking her for 17 years.

Gwyneth told the jury she got an attack dog to protect her and her family. At one point she asked her bodyguard to come over and teach the dog attack and bite commands. She was alone at home with the kids and scared.

The actress is testifying against Dante Soiu, who faces felony criminal charges. Cops say he's sent her 66 letters and has tried to get to her in various other ways.

Gwyneth is telling the judge Soiu threatened to use a scalpel "to cut out sin" in her body.

Authorities say in the past Soiu has made "a threat of a sexual nature."

He's left presents at her parents' home, sent sexually graphic material, love notes, flowers and candy.