Paws Corner:
Dogs Run Wild
By Sam Mazzotta
Q: It seems that my neighbors like to let their dogs run loose in our country neighborhood. Do you have any ideas or products in mind that would really stop a dog from approaching as I am walking on the county roads? -- Peggy B., via e-mail
A: I've always bet on a sturdy walking stick when out hiking in the country, and I'd recommend you carry one too. The presence of a stick is often enough to give many dogs pause.
Even with a walking stick as a first (or rather, last) line of defense, you should follow a few general rules around strange dogs that approach. Never panic or allow fear to creep into your voice or movements. If you're walking and the dog is not coming close, maintain a steady pace but stay alert. If the dog confronts you directly, stop and stand as calmly as possible. If the dog refuses to move or growls, raise your arms (and wave the stick) and yell at him. You're establishing your authority -- literally, that you rule the road, not the dog. The only time you should use your stick to hit a dog is if that dog is charging you.
Some readers might take offense at the idea of a walker carrying a stick to ward off aggressive, unfamiliar dogs. They ought to take offense instead at the idea of owners allowing their dogs to run loose on winding country roads, where a dog can be hit by a car coming around a blind corner.
And that's the other suggestion I have for you, Peggy. It's not always possible to organize communities to enact leash rules, but dog owners -- no matter where they live -- are responsible for their pets' actions and should always keep their dogs under control. If not indoors, then fenced in the yard. Remind your neighbors of this, or work through your local government to have leash and containment laws enacted in rural areas.
Send your tips, questions and comments to Paws Corner, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or e-mail them to pawscorner@hotmail.com.
(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc. | 
