Always be aware of your surrounds, always!! I agree with most comments.... get some bear mace and keep it with you in one hand, leash in the other hand. Also, if you avoid eye contact, that should ward off some random stranger walking up to you to try to pet your dogs. If you want to allow someone to pet him, consider a quick trip to PetCo or PetSmart, but still, always be aware of your surroundings and with who is where.