update regarding dog attacks (+just impunity for....)

Locals just use rocks. It's worked fine for them for generations. So well that nowadays we only have to pretend to pick up a rock and throw it and dogs run with their tails between their legs.

Personally I just bare my teeth and growl back and I've never had a problem.

I have never really had a problem with dogs, other than the dog of Hannibal that bit me a few years ago. It happened so fast and from behind that I had no chance for a rock. For older people walking their dogs it is much different for them than for you, Rob. Most are not just able to bare their teeth and growl and scare everything and everyone in sight like you do. If I had a small dog that I walked, I would definitely be prepared to deal with force concerning these vicious animals in Madera area.