Running Safety - Dogs encounter during running

With a recent case of a 74-year old man being fatally attacked by a pit bull in Subang Jaya, the danger of dogs, both strays and pets, have become a hot topic again.. For runners, it's always a danger, more so a mostly solo runner like me ! I guess these tips will come in useful..
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-527--13610-0,00.html

How to avoid a dangerous run-in with Cujo.
By Christie Aschwanden
Photos From the September 2010 issue of Runner's World

IT'S A RUNNER'S NIGHTMARE—you're out on a nice run, when suddenly an unleashed, snarling dog comes at you. What happens next depends on how you react. "You need to convey a sense of calm," says JT Clough. Here's how to do it right.


VOICE


DON'T: A high-pitched, shrieking voice broadcasts fear and may activate the dog's fight instinct.
DO: Use a deep, firm voice to convey a sense of calm.




POSITION


DON'T: Turn your back and run—that'll make you look like prey, which may encourage a chase.
DO: Stand tall, facing the dog and slowly, calmly back away.




EYES


DON'T: Direct eye contact can seem aggressive to a dog, further encouraging a physical encounter.
DO: Watch the dog out of the corner of your eye without making direct eye contact.




BODY LANGUAGE


DON'T: Cowering may activate a prey response, while a combative position may instigate a fight.
DO: Stay relaxed, and use an upright posture to give a sense of authority.




TIP: LAST SHOT
If a scary dog really comes at you, spray it with water if you have a bottle. Clough suggests carrying mace, just in case. "It sounds terrible, but it doesn't hurt the dog, and you're teaching it not to be so aggressive."