[demicav]

Some dogs will bark at anything and don't really mean harm, but you shouldn't feel intimidated by them. If you feel very threatened and it's the same offenders then maybe you could report your worries to the police or even look out for the owners and have a word with them although I would excercise caution with the latter, some owners can be worse than the dogs. Remember direct eye contact to a dog is seen as a challenge. Some dogs especially males can see that as a sign they need to assert themselves as the boss. If a dog is already in an aggressive mood it could provoke further, although you obviously need to keep an eye on the dog at all times. I agree with someone else, I would carry a stick or/and a spray with just water to deter them.