I was just reading one of those expat blogs and the topic of the day was how to protect yourself from those barking, growling, snapping 'soi dogs'. The advice given ranged from carrying a big stick and screaming, to toting a bag of stones to throw at them, to simply just reaching down to the ground and pretending to pick up and throw an imaginary brick. I don't know how many times that last one will work since soi dogs may be many things but they are not stupid.

     In fact, soi dogs may just be the most advanced of their species. All the slow, unintelligent, genetically inferior dogs would have long ago been taken out of the gene pool by all those motorcycles, cars, and trucks tearing up and down their home territory. Any that are left have won the survival of the fittest battle. These are the 'top dogs'.

     There is a temple at the base of Doi Suthep, which is the soi dog capital. More than 600 years old, Wat Paa Dang at one time was one of Chiang Mai's most important temples. But now virtually no one ever goes there except for the local neighbourhood people. The reason? Abandoned dogs.

     Wat Paa Dang is known as the place to abandon your unwanted dogs. Currently there are around 50 dogs roaming the temple grounds. The chorus of howls they let off at 5 a.m. when the first temple bell rings to wake the monks was my alarm clock for years. Although I have never heard of anyone getting bitten, having dozens of dogs surrounding you just is not conducive to a meditative visit.

     But this is where I learned to deal with those barking, growling, snapping soi dogs. I learned to talk softly to them and ask permission to pass. You see, dogs are just doing what dogs do. They see someone come into their territory and they act to protect it. They are barking at you because they are wondering why you have invaded their living space. How would you feel if somebody came into your home screaming obscenities and carrying sticks and throwing stones?

     So, during my last confrontation with a growling soi dog I decided to try something new. Here is word for word how the encounter went.

Dog: Growl, growl, bark, bark. (Translation: Who the hell are you?)
Me: Hello (speaking softly). Nice doggy. (with a sing-songy voice)

Dog: Bark, growl, woof. (Translation: What do you want?)
Me: You're a good dog (baby talk). Is it ok if I walk though your territory? (as I drop my hands down to my sides letting the dog sniff them)

Dog: Sniff, sniff. Woof (Translation: I guess you're OK. You can pass.)
Me: Thank you. Bye bye (with sincerity).

     You can go with the 'carry a big stick' technique or next time, maybe forget the sticks and stones defense. Try walking slowly and asking for permission. (One friend calls out "Hi beautiful" when she is approached by soi dogs.) It just might work for you. And the dogs will be a lot less aggressive next time since they will know you. Just to be safe though, always face the dog you are talking to. Most attacks come from behind.

     The majority of dog owners love and care for their pets. But there will always be a few who may be incapable of the effort it takes to care for a pet or for the many offspring they tend to produce.

     When that happens, an abandoned pet is often the result. Luckily, there are compassionate people helping these unwanted animals. They treat them for health problems, sterilise and vaccinate them and then offer them up for adoption. If you are in the market for a pet, consider adopting. Then maybe there will be one less dog on the soi and one more in a home that cares for and loves them.

     To learn more about helping or adopting a dog contact Roshan (She's the one who says "Hi beautiful.") or Otome at Lanna Dog Rescue, contact@lannadog.net, 053 212810. Also, Care for Dogs, contact@carefordogs.org, 081 9073260.