travel and rhum

I was hiking solo in a NP that allows dogs on trails but not off leash. As I progressed down the trail I could hear two hikers in the distance coming towards me.

As I rounded a corner and looked up I see a large lab with an orange bandana around its neck about 25' away. When we both see each other it lowers it head and growls.

I immediately shouted no, stop, go away about as loud as I could. The dog retreated to it's owners. I can't tell if it was my shouting or the owner recalling the animal that caused that.

My first interaction with the owner she blamed me for shouting – saying it drew the dog to me which wasn't true. They leashed the dog and apologized and moved on. But then said I understand I know my dog and you don't.

So, what's the best way to minimize risk around off leash dogs that growl at you? Yell at them? Back away quietly?

I normally carry bear spray but I flew in for this trip and didn't have it. Had I had it I would have not drawn it. I was in the Winds last year and an off leash dog ran towards me barking aggressively – I did draw it then and was moments away from spraying but the dog stopped about 15 feet away.

A buddy of mine just sent me this. It's pretty crazy. 4 people have died this year and over the years 97% of everyone infected dies. 153 people over the past 70 years.

https://www.foxnews.com/health/lake-mead-officials-warn-rare-but-deadly-brain-eating-amoeba-found-present-hot-springs

Sorry if the post isn't allowed.