Discourage off leash dogs from following you?

This morning on our usual jaunt Russ and I picked up two young Lab escorts.  They jogged with us all the way home- over half a mile.  They were real friendly, but I hope they made their way back home alright.  Alot of people in our neighborhood just let their dogs loose for potty, and they only follow us for half a block or so and then go back home.  But every once in a while we get a more persistent follower, like the two this morning.  How do I get rid of them?

Aluminum soda can w/ some pebbles or pennies in it works real well. It only scares them with an unexpected noise.  But would it scare Russ, too????  Wouldnt want THAT.

NIX THAT IDEA, Mike!

Oh wow

I don't condone guns, or violence at all, but I remember when my brothers were wee-bots...they always played with cap-guns, water-guns, never fearuing they would be shot by cops. That's so sad.  

Dottie and I had the same problem today. A dog from a street over hung out in our yard this afternoon. She wanted to play with the other dog every time we went out and I couldn't get her to potty. Finally I snuck her out the side door where they couldn't see each other so she would go!

The way labs LOVE water the watergun might be more of a game to them. Good luck!