kapitel

When you enter a dog’s territory, you may be in for a confrontation. Here are my suggestions for dealing with your “dog days:”

There are several good devices that will help deter dogs: a stick, rocks, some electronic signal devices, and pepper spray. If you are in a new area or an area of known dogs, I recommend that you have one of these at all times.
At the first sign of a dog ahead or barking, try to figure out where the dog is located, whether the dog is a real threat, and what territory the dog is guarding.
The best option is to run a different route.
If you really want or need to run past the dog, pick up a rock if you don’t have another anti-dog device.
Watch the tail. If the tail does not wag, beware.
As you approach the dog, it is natural for the dog to bark and head toward you. Raise your rock as if you will throw it at the dog. In my experience, the dog withdraws about 90 % of the time. You may need to do this several times before getting through the dog’s territory. Keep your arms up.
In a few cases you will need to throw the rock and sometimes another if the dog keeps coming.
In less than 1 % of the hundreds of dog confrontations I’ve had, there is something wrong with the dog, and it continues to move toward you. Usually the hair will be up on the dog’s back. Try to find a barrier to get behind and, yell loudly in hopes that the owner or someone will help you. If a car comes by, try to flag down the driver and either stay behind the car as you get out of the dog’s territory or get in the car for protection if that is appropriate.
Develop your own voice. Some use a deep commanding voice, and some use a high-pitched voice. Whichever you use, exude confidence and command.

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