communication and coyote ugly

I used to joke that bad things only happen when Dave is out of town.  When we lived in Florida, the only snake I ever saw by our pool was when Dave was out of town.  Likewise, during one business trip of Dave's, we had a squirrel in our bedroom that the Labs all tried to "catch".  What a nightmare. 
Now we are in Tucson and Dave is out of town.  Guess what!  More wildlife, just of the Tusconian variety.  I have taken the Labs out for walks each morning.  This evening, I decided to knock their socks off by taking them for a second walk.  As we left the gated community, I headed north on a path with the three girls in tow.  Okay, technically, they walk me.  All of a sudden, from between the cactus and the bushes, I saw a flash of black and brown.  A coyote headed our way.  The Labs had the sense, I think, to show a bit of restraint.  They looked to me for assistance.  In truth, I didn't really know what to do.  I have heard stories of packs of coyotes surrounding and attacking humans and dogs.  I think instinct took over when he seemed to come a bit closer.  I lifted the arm that didn't have the leashes, shook my arm and yelled, "Haaaaaaah!" in my most commanding voice.  Apparently, loud noises from a crazy woman is enough to tell this coyote to head the other way.  He slunk away from us and the last I saw, he was slinking across the golf course. 
I thought about how exerting our aggressive, loud selves is a turn-off for coyotes but also for humans, as well.  That kind of attitude makes people turn and slink away, perhaps never to trust us again.   I suppose we should use this technique with gusto around native wildlife but use it with caution among fellow humans.
Just for today, why not think about how our actions and voice tone are received.

Happy Communicating,

Sh