Reply #17: You mean the dogs are defending their own territory?

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Or are the dogs unfenced and running loose in the street?
Or, are you encountering dogs off-leash walking with their owners?

In any case, this problem is so much easier for people who have been around dogs, or who have successfully raised dogs before, especially large ones. Dogs respect people who, in no other words describable, demand respect. You just won't put up with their marginal behavior.

Don't be scared of dogs. Dogs love you when you are not afraid of them.

Edit: Unless you have a baby, toddler, or young child, then go ahead and be completely fearless of dogs. :)