Geocaching Hazards–Loose Dogs
Don’t get me wrong: I love dogs. I’ve owned them often and on all of my life. I have almost an irresistible impulse to pet a dog I encounter in the street. When geocaching, an encounter with a strange, owner-less dog can be a scary experience.
We often geocache in rural areas. The farm dog is ubiquitous. It’s like something out of an Andrew Wyeth painting–the yellow lab curled up asleep in front of the farm house. Honestly, most encounters are good. The dog trots over to say hi. We pet him a bit, and then he walks on home. Other times, the encounters are not so pleasant.
I remember walking one of the rails-to-trails paths around me. All of a sudden, a frisky black lab came bounding out of the marsh, on his own mission, apparently. He wasn’t mean, but he did jump up on me, sharing that lovely, distinctive, wet-dog scent all over me. Another time, we were leaving a cache site, that was a DNF to boot. Three farm dogs came running after our car as we left. I screamed, thinking for sure one was going to be hit. Dogs running after cars are a true hazard. So, what to do if you encounter a dog on the hunt?
Don’t stare the dog in the face.
A frontal stare is confrontational. If you’re not sure of the dog’s temperament, don’t give him a reason to establish his dominance. Look to the side, look away–but keep an eye on him out of the corner of your eye.
Use commands most dogs know.
The most rural farm dog will know the meaning of “no” or “sit.” If he jumps up, a stern “NO” will show that you mean business. Short and to the point.
Carry protection.
If you’re really concerned, don’t be afraid to carry some protection such as Halt Dog Repellent. You’re not being cruel if you have to protect yourself. Consider the alternative. If the dog is vaccinated against rabies, it will have to be quarantined. If the dog is not, it may be euthanized or you will have to undergo preventive treatment. Neither scenario is desirable. You are not the one in error. An owner who leaves his pet unleashed without an invisible fence or some similar means of confinement is irresponsible.
Geocaching is such an enjoyable activity, one that takes us to new and different places. Being alert to the possible hazards you’re likely to encounter can make your time out that much more pleasurable.
I had an incident a little over a year ago where I was attacked by two dogs while caching.
August 3rd, 2009 at 3:36 pmRDOwens´s last blog ..Remote Thermometer