Bad dog!

I've been walking a good, strenuous 3.5 miles a day and it's been 
doing me a world of good. For example, I can now run up several 
flights of stairs at work without gettig winded. Trouble is, 
there's a dog on my route who thinks he's the alpha and I'm the 
beta. Most of the time the owner is around to call him off, but I 
did get bit once (I was wearing heavy gloves and it didn't break 
the skin) and several times, there's been nobody around. I've taken 
to hollering at the dog ("Bad dog!" and "Get away!") and I now know 
the dog's name ("Bocce"...is there any wonder why he has a chip on 
his shoulder?) so I can use that. But what are my other options? 
I've thought of pepper spray, but I've heard that if the animal is 
hurt, then I would be liable. Plus, I don't want to start a war of 
escalation that winds up with some crazy redneck poisoning my 
altogether easygoing dogs.

So, what are my options? A coworker mentioned carrying dog treats, 
but wouldn't that just reinforce the animal's behavior? My Dad said 
to carry a soda can full of pennies, but somehow I don't think that 
would disuade this creature. Frankly, if I had my druthers, I'd 
pepper spray the owner but I don't think the State of Vermont would 
look too kindly on that. Does anyone else have any ideas?
Thanks!
-- 
Governor Breck
governor_breck at yahoo dot com