When I lived in Tijuana, Mexico fending off roñosos (mangy) stray dogs was a daily battle. Most of the time they were all bark and no bite. Just remaining calm, avoiding eye contact, and continuing on my way was all I needed to do. If they started charging, I pretended to pick up a rock from the ground and feigned throwing it at them. That usually spooked them enough to leave me alone.
If that didnt work, actual rocks were used. There was one time when a dog wasnt deterred by either the pretend or real variety, and lunged to bite me. I used a backpack as a shield and employed a flurry of kicks to keep the aggressive canine at bay. It finally relented and I went on my way unscathed.
If you ever encounter a hostile pooch thats out for blood, heres how to walk away with jugular intact.
Illustrated by Ted Slampyak
Reprinted from The Art of Manliness.