When I'm out for the run, the thing I dread most is the jingle-jangle of dog tags -- particularly when I realize they're coming my way, fast.

A friend who is a vet told me that you should tell a dog to "sit" if they come after you. But, it's been my experience that it doesn't work. A dog that's running toward you snarling and barking isn't going to plop down just cause you say so. I've tried it -- it doesn't work.

What does work? The advice given in this article. Stop running, turn away from the dog, don't make eye contact, cover your soft spots, bring your hands and arms up to protect your neck and chest (and so that they don't have a convenient appendage to grab ahold of) and slowly walk away.

If the dog continues to be a problem -- change your route or, better yet, report the owner for having an unleashed dog. I know you don't want to be the heavy, but...you may end up saving the dogs life (not to mention yours or other runners/walkers) by forcing the owner to keep their dog off the streets.