[LullaBelle]

There is this nice beach where ppl can let their dogs run. I always keep her on a leash b/c I know she would run off, but there are usually big dogs there and one time there was this big, and I mean big like Irish wolf hound big dog and Bella is only 7lbs. This big dog after I picked up Bella tried to jump on me. That is an act of dominance and I ( a petite woman) stood my ground and backed that dog off.
With Bella in one arm and my other arm extended I put my foot forward and advanced the big dog with my hand in a sort of open clawed manner. Fingers bent and spread wide so it resembles a mouth. And forcefully pushed on his neck. To a dog that resembles a bite and by my stepping forward I asserted my dominance over him. I didn't even stop to think that I could have been bitten by this dog but it really worked and the big dog backed off. I guess my mommy attitude came out and all my focus was on making sure Bella was safe. His owners were like "oh hes just curious" but no strange dog has a right to invade your space with out your permission, you never know if they are just curious or if they are aggressive. If you are steadfast,calm and assertive you will always have control over a situation.
You should watch 'The Dog Whisperer, Caesar Milan' . He has some very excellent advice for any dog owner.