This question has two parts and came to me after recent scenarios while walking my dogs.
I just read Ed's article on what to do if you're attacked which was very helpful.
First situation was we were approached in a street by two staffy crossbreds(no owner around) who were pushy and posturing but not openly aggressive, thankfully i think they're only just reaching 1 year of age.
If i felt things were going to get nasty what could i do to diffuse the situation? My dogs aren't able to protect themsleves and one is too big to throw over the nearest fence!
The other situation was some very aggressive Malamutes were being walked on lead a good half a kilometre away and getting really aggitated at my dogs, scary stuff as they were huge!
Reminding me of a fight i got into with an owner after being charged by a Rottweiler a few months ago. If a dog is running hard at your dog/s (and you know they aren't safe) how can protect your dog if your dog has no chance of protecting itself ( or me for that matter)?
oh and where can i find a good walking stick?! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

see the answer i just gave on the "dogs off leash" thread. downhill ski poles are very sturdy. i would want an aluminum pole because the wooden hiking staff will break on impact.

I had the same problem and got alot of good advice in this thread. http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/80892/page/0/fpart/1/vc/1

'Til I get around to buying something more chic, I use a length of 1/2" PVC pipe (sprinkler type stuff). Indestructable and 10 ft. for about $2 at your local home improvement store.

One of the reasons I stopped walking in my neighborhood was people react to my dogs, they are frightened...with good reason I suppose. Most folks get very defensive with my male. The thing of interest in this thread to me is this: One day (before I stopped walking in the neighborhood) when I was walking him a man walking his small dog (not sure of the breed, small fuzzy terrier)and the dog became very aggitated and lunged and barked, this got my Buddys attention, when Buddy responded to the small dog, just turned and looked at the smaller dog, his owner raised a stick at Buddy, now Buddy is on leash and heeling for me, but his head is at attention and looking at the dog....when the man raised the stick Buddy immediately looked to the stick and pulled like he wanted to jump up and grab the stick....needless to say we walked very quickly past. Buddy is an APBT. He does like to jump for sticks and ropes, is this a consideration when dealing with a dog that likes sticks? He did not appear to be threatened by the mans attitude but immediately wanted the stick, then again he has been attacked by an off leash Akita and responded as though it was play......

Thank you all for your responses and redirections around the board
Cheers
elle