I recently moved out to a rural area of North Carolina, think cornfields and cow pastures as far as the eye can see. It's moderately rolling, few cars, and good for running or cycling. On my run route, at around mile 3 there is a scattering of mobile homes and a pack of 5 pretty mean dogs that run out snarling, barking and nipping at me. This has happened twice now in a couple months. Last week I called animal control and they said they sent an officer out to the property (this county has some kind of a leash law). My question is, what should I do in the future for protection? Carry a big stick? Would that just encourage them? Carry mace or bear spray? Run with a pistol? (this is a joke- though If I shot a dog, the rednecks in the trailer would likely come and shoot me). I suppose this is even more dangerous for cyclists, though I haven't ridden my bike down this road yet. So far SCREAMING at them has kept them back, but I'm not sure this method is effective long-term.
Looking for successful strategies that don't get me bit, jailed, or killed, and I'd prefer to not change my run route.
Looking for successful strategies that don't get me bit, jailed, or killed, and I'd prefer to not change my run route.