Dixie Dude, I agree with the idea of carrying extra ammo. As the saying goes, better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. I've come across feral dogs too many times over the years at my leases. They nearly always show aggression, growling, and or barking. One circled around to get behind me one time, and three times while hunting dogs showed up either after the shot, or chased deer I was about to draw my bow on. I too always carry a sidearm, whether or not I have a sotgun or rifle, or even a bow with me.