Stray dogs/ walking

[Spike's Mom]

This morning I was walking Spike and we always see lots of people/dogs around. Some are friendly, some mean, some friendly until Spike lunges (yes both dogs and people ) We came upon a town truck with the guy out of the truck with a dog. I wasn't sure if the dog was hurt or loose or what but it turned out he was loose. The guy told me to try to move fast as he distracted the dog he was holding as best he could (no collar/harness) and we did with no incident. My question is this. If he wasn't there we would have most likely had to deal with a loose dog. I would keep walking quickly but I'm sure i'd be dragging Spike. Any suggestions if we come upon this?

[dweck]

First off, train your dog. LEAVE IT works. I personally use NO VISIT (as I reserve LEAVE IT to mean "don't pick that food, pill, weed, toy, piece of goose-goo up off the floor/ground").

Second, learn the value of turning 180-degrees and walking directly away from a potential trouble spot.

Third, if all else fails, carry either pepper spray or a big stick. Even with #1 and #2 in your arsenal, just about every neighborhood has a village idiot who doesn't believe his dog needs to be on a leash at all.