How do I make people not be afraid of me and my dogs?

garage_greg

I like to hike, and I have two large dogs (German Shepherd, Presa Canario). After a long hike I look reasonably homeless (long hair, unshaven, muddy). Combined with two large, potentially dangerous dogs, it might scare off some people. How can I make sure we do not scare people / make them more comfortable meeting us on the trail?

Originally asked by Maj Knut 3rd Baron Cockwomble on Stack Exchange (outdoors) (CC BY-SA 3.0).

uphilltech

Great question — answering as the UphillTech team:

Couple suggestions for meeting people on the trail with dogs, Keep the dogs leashed. When passing people put the dogs on the opposite side of yourself so that you are between the dogs and the people. Pull off to the side and have the dogs sit, as this demonstrates that you have control over the dogs and they will listen to you. Talk with the people you meet, ask the normal social questions like How is your day? How long have you been out for? Where have you been? Smile and generally be friendly towards people.

Full answer by Charlie Brumbaugh: https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/a/18331 (CC BY-SA 3.0).

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