IN THE letter page on March 16, dated 16.3.16, a writer states that she carries a ‘dog dazer’ for self-defence and that this should be a legal obligation for every dog owner.

I have no experience of such items.

However, when I attended a course to train as a leader of guided walks, we were advised strongly against it.

The ‘dog dazer’ may well work against most dogs, but there is a percentage on which it has the opposite effect.

We were told that it will infuriate them.

Even pointing it at such dogs could be interpreted as a threat.

Another bad idea is to try to meet the dog’s gaze and ‘out stare’ it.

This will be treated as a challenge by a dominant dog, and so increase the risk to a walker.

Other advice was that it may be helpful to note the dog’s body language.

A dog growling with its ears back is probably nervous of the walkers and trying to “con” them, so it can be ignored.

Growling with ears forward indicates confidence and aggression, so move away quietly, without running.

People like to pet and feed animals which they meet.

However, this behaviour is training those animals to approach walkers for treats.

The next walker may be nervous of livestock, and may not be at ease with a greedy labrador or a lonely horse.

One of our walk leaders reported that a llama had “attempted to gain carnal knowledge of him” during a walk.

I have not found any advice on that in the manuals.

J Graham

King’s Stanley