How to get along with farm dogs

Any archaeologist working in rural areas must talk to farmers, and that means addressing farm dogs

Difficulty Level: Hard      Time Required: 20 minutes

Here's How:

1. Drive your car into the farmer's driveway, slowly. 
2. Do not get out of your car, wait to see if a dog will appear. 
3. If a dog does not immediately appear, the farmer is probably in his or her house.
4. Wait a few moments, then slowly open the door and walk toward the kitchen entrance, staying alert.
5. If a dog does appear, wait until the dog is at the side of the car.
6. If the dog is snarling, with teeth bared, stay in the car.
7. Speak baby talk to the dog through the window, "good dog, what a good dog you are!"
8. If the dog appears to calm down some, roll down the window, continuing the baby talk.  
9. If it seems possible, put your hand out of the window, palm down, and let the dog sniff your hand. 
10. If the dog is still relatively quiet, slowly get out of the car and very slowly walk toward the kitchen door.
11. Continue to speak to the dog in reassuring tones. 
12. Knock on the kitchen door.
13. If the dog continues to show his teeth and growl, do not get out of the car. The farmer is probably not at home. Tap the horn once or twice, politely

Tips:

1. Instructions for calming down the farmer and/or your field crew are not included here.
2. A stranger loudly blowing his car's horn in a person's driveway is not considered polite.
3. Take off your sunglasses so the dog can see your eyes. 
4. Do not assume the dog's name is "Lassie."