Dogs

I am not really a dog person.  I have been chased down the road too many times fearing for my ankles to really be fond of dogs.  The whole slobbery, barky, teeth-baring thing doesn't scream "best friend" to me. For those of you who,like me, run rural routes where leash laws seem to be optional, here is my guide for how to deal with pesky dogs by size, if you don't favor pepper spray. 

Anything small or low to the ground: try evasive maneuvers, yell at them, step over them, and when in doubt, punt (okay, I would never kick a dog on purpose but sometimes they run into my feet).

Medium sized dogs: throw stick and run when his back is turned.  Hope he doesn't actually retrieve stick.

Large dogs like Doberman, pit bull, German shepherd: Retreat. Quickly.

Bull: (ok, I know this isn't a dog but I really did pass one walking down the road I was running on one day). Wait for him to go wherever he wants. Give him plenty of space. Then run home wondering about your own sanity and the area in which you live.  

Oh, and if you want to stop attracting dogs, stop wearing bacon scented deodorant.