I'd like to preface this by saying that loose dogs are NOT a problem in my area.

I was just out walking George tonight around our neighborhood. We've been working on proofing during distractions, which he is doing quite well on. He lives for my praise, so that makes it easier =)

Anyway, we got to face the usual array of barking dogs (behind the doors of houses). No big deal. Then I went up a street that I usually don't walk on. In one of the yards was a Golden on a tie out that was barking, snarling, and lunging. We made it past that just fine. Not a hint of notice from George. A few houses down was a large black Lab like George, but more stocky and bigger. He wasn't tied out on anything, but invisible fences are big in our area, so I figured he was behind one. We get to about 20 yards away, he notices George and charges--and not in a happy "Hi, I really want to be friends!" way. No invisible fence, apparently.

I've never been charged by a loose dog before, but thankfully I've read about what to do in case it happens. I put George in a sit and stood in front of him in what I hoped was a confident pose. Once the dog saw me do this--10 yards away--he did a 180 and fled back to his owner, who was yelling his name quite uselessly the whole time. She got him by the collar and took him back to the house. She said something about how that was a nice technique I just used and that her dog must have been intimidated to turn around like that. She also said that "he wasn't going to attack," but somehow I didn't believe her =) George was absolutely rock solid throughout the whole ordeal. He walked away with me without a backwards glance, like nothing happened. I'm so proud of him!

Just thought I'd share that little story with people I know can appreciate it. I wouldn't hesitate to defend my dog if he was attacked, but I'm glad it didn't come to that =)

Way to go Ashley! Sounds like you did a great job stepping up and protecting your dog.

I was in the same situation last night. Puppy Rob was on a leash and some dog charged us as the owner futilely called it back. I stepped between Rob and the dog, who I judged was acting friendly (or else it would have gotten a swift kick to the head). Despite my attempts to stay in between, the dog kept trying to get to Rob, so I picked him up and walked away. The dog followed for about 20 sec, owner still standing and calling.

In between calling the dog, she kept say "he's a really nice dog". I wasn't going to even try and prove her wrong.