I sent the link to all the females in my family. DH is a retired prison guard from a maximum security prison, brother Kevin was a retired police officer and parole officer. They have seen it all and stressed many of these.

Thanks for the link Annie.

i don't go out much but all of these ideas are spot on. at home, everyone (whether a stranger, a family member, a delivery driver) is ALWAYS met at the door by 2 very loud, very aggressive looking great danes. while my female is over-the-top friendly to everyone, my male is as protective as they come and fearless. they have a dog door so most of the time, people are met at the outside gate.

i'm always aware when someone drives up. i live in the middle of nowhere on 20 acres surrounded by woods on a very long dead end lane. it would be pretty easy for someone to sneak up on my place. i've had delivery people who left packages in my lane rather than take a chance on coming to the door, not knowing if the dogs are safely contained (they are but those people don't know that).

i was once followed for miles on the interstate by a guy who kept passing me, slowing down, speeding up, just acting weird. instead of going home, i drove straight to the cop shop and waited till i knew the coast was clear then had an officer follow me until i got home safely.

i don't trust ANYBODY i don't know and even some that i've known for years.