Thanks for all the tips.

I hate that the damn dogs make me rethink my route. I sometimes just don't want to deal with them. I feel like I encounter a mad dog every few miles....It drives me nuts. A few of them have become good rivals and I do give them a good race, but there a are few that have mastered the sneak attack and that freaks me out....I always bring pepper spray just in case. I am just surprised people allow their dogs to do it...once this dog was trying to grab me and the owner just sat and watched. I can't imagine allowing my dog to do that to people...it's ridiculous!