I'm posting this on straight-forward because I really want this thread to stay focused on the question--and not drift off into all of the side issues.
My biggest fear is aggressive dogs. (I have been bitten by dogs a few times in my life). I usually hike in very remote areas or other places where dogs are not encountered very frequently. Obviously, that is not the case with the AT.
What suggestions can you people share that might help me to better deal with potentially aggressive dogs while I am on the AT?
(For what it is worth, I have owned dogs most of my life. I currently own a 105 lb. Chocolate Lab who will NOT be joining me on my hikes. So, please don't accuse me of being "anti-dog". I simply have fears of being bitten or attacked by a potentially aggressive dog).