What would you do?

[fortworthdude]

Thank you so much for all the replies to my question. Although people have differing views as to what they would do, the one constant string is that carrying a weapon entails lots of responsibility and very fast dicision making. We are indeed accountable for the outcome of our actions. What I did that day was to turn to face the dog, charge the dog and shout at it as loud as I could. The sucker turned tail and ran away whimpering. In a way I am glad I was not carrying as I might have shot the dog first and regretted it later. I am still learning what to do, when to do it and to trust my instincts. It would be easy to be spooked into not carrying but that is not what I want. It is my right to carry and I want to be able to protect myself if it is indeed really needed. So for now I will read and learn and trust I will make the right decision when it really becomes neccessary.
Live in peace but act when needed.

[sugar land dave]

One move to make if you have distance is to move to one side and see if the dog changes direction toward you. This will confirm that you are his target before you decide to draw on him.
This also works for people coming toward you and women eyeing you.

I use that tactic frequently in parking lots and other spots "on the street."