Lately there have been a couple of dogs running loose (from separate families). The husky has killed chickens, piglets, a guinea pig...but I don't know if he is aggressive toward people or not. The other is a shepherd of some kind; I don't even know where he/she came from.

I walk to the post office and back when I can, almost always with my rollator. I'm nervous about these dogs, and about getting someone's attention if I needed help. (Yes, my husband would walk with me, but I don't really want an escort!)

I was wondering what the consequences would be if I blew a whistle if a strange dog approached me. Would it chase him off? Would it TICK him off and make him more apt to hassle me?

I carry a whistle in case I fall or something, but hadn't thought about using it to deter a dog. My friend suggested pepper spray or whatever it is, but I wouldn't want to hurt a dog who had no ill intentions. It's been 40 years since I've had a dog. What are your thoughts, dog owners?