The couple key things he says that usually apply to any situation with new or stray dogs...
-Do not touch, no eye contact, keep moving forward
-"Own your space" Believe that you are confident and in control, hold your shoulders and head up, walk forward like you know where you are going
Likely when folks walk to the other side of the street, what that does is build the confidence of the strays that they 'own' the territory. That people will avoid them and walk around their territory, which just builds the level of authority in the strays themselves, but in turn, weakens the energy given off by the humans that pass by. One pack thing he has discussed when dealing with strays, is the fact they will circle people just like a normal pack....one or two dogs might face you in the front, and then another dog will come up from behind and nip your ankle. This is a total hunting technique...occupy the front, disable the rear. This is where he recommends walking with something to not only defend, but to increase your confidence. A walking stick, a racket, maybe even an umbrella...whatever gives you the ability to put some distance between the dog and you should something go wrong.
He does talk about some situations, where eye contact will create a very aggressive dog to attack....or that in some situations you need to stand your ground, not 'flee', claim your territory of sorts, let the dog back off, and then move forward. Sort of give off the energy that you own that area. As you watch his videos, he will say things like 'that bark is an insecure bark, its just a warning to back off but I am not going to do anything'....or then he will identify 'that is an aggressive confident bark or stance, he is warning he will attack, he is in control'. Most of the videos on aggressive dogs, you will hear comments and get to see a lot of examples of dogs in their stances and behaviors, and you will learn what all the signals mean, very helpful for dealing with strays.
Pretty much everything he says is all about visualization. He talks a lot about putting in your mind what you want to happen......you want to claim that area, you want to control that street, you are the human in charge, you are going to walk down that street to your destination with no interruptions. You visualize it, and it sends out that energy to the dogs. If you visualize the scene of being bitten or attacked, you send out the weak signal, and the dogs will move in and take 'control' of you so to speak.
Its great stuff.....his shows are very much about personal growth, most folks think they are seeing him to help their dogs, but its all about fixing the humans though. The dogs know your weakness more then you do, and they mirror it, or capitalize on it. He tries to show people how dogs and animals can be a great tool to help get yourself to the next level.
(can you tell I am a fan...LOL)
Here is part of the vid on ernesto (who has a fear of dogs). Later they walk the neighborhood and go to the pound, and deal with strays, loose dogs, ect. Not much on this clip....but all I could find in my online searches
Best of Nat Geo in HD | Fear of Dogs | National Geographic Channel
The postal worker episode would be the most relevant.
I am rambling....I get a bit excited in animal discussions
