loose dogs

not fair? Dogs here have more liberty than in Western society. They can roam around freely and eat scraps.

If a dog barks at you give it a kick or let it sniff you. Dogs are territorial and afraid of people.

Don't get bitten, rabies is common in dogs here.

Getting bitten was never my number 1 objective but thanks for that.
For those of you with lots of experience walking in Saigon, what have you found with dogs? How do you react to their advances and how do they in turn respond to that?

Khanh44 you said give it a kick. Is that something you do often?

It may not be your number 1 objective, but common sense will tell you give the dogs a wide berth.

There is one thing that terrifies dogs and makes even the most vicious dog break off an attack; when a TELESCOPIC umbrella pops open and the dog can't see beyond it. It will always back off. This is why many postal workers in some countries have been issued umbrellas instead of pepper spray.

Pepper spray, is always something you should consider carrying anywhere where stray and feral dogs are a problem (if it is legal).

Cheers,
James     Expat-blog Experts Team

just ignore the dog and the dog will ignore you very quick. no need  to kick or react. if you are to afraid, just make a small bow around it

Compared to Thailand and Cambodia, Vietnam is better 
Worse thing is eat near dogs, especially in restaurants!
I go out from many restaurants after see and smell dogs inside.

I stay away from dogs that are leashed otherwise don't let them see fear in you. Some of the dogs here I annoy them so much because I'll just walk into their personal space and they'll walk/run away.

You have to earn their trust first though. They like to know your scent first. Than like a bear make yourself look big by waving your hands and legs or yelling at them.