1. Get the dog away from the skunk. If you see a skunk in the field, shooting it should be the last resort. In fact, shooting may backfire as the dog may try to grab the skunk after the shot.

Except for their odor, which is a big exception, skunks are good-natured creatures that don't cause a lot of troubles. But because of the smell and the risk of rabies, it's good to show them the gate.