How do you Protect Yourself when you're Scrapping?

Hey guys, I saw this in an old thread and wanted to bring it up again for fresh thoughts. Personally I keep a semi-automatic 12 Gauge on a gun rack in my truck, which is more psychological than anything else. I've never had to use it, but I have been in quarrels with teenagers more often than not when they notice it. They usually shut up fairly promptly. I often bring one of my pit bull/mastiff mixes when I'm dumpster diving or doing curbco and it never hurts that I'm a very athletic 6'3 male. What do you guys do?