I always keep Belle on a harness when we are outside. I don't trust any one else to keep their dogs leashed. Funny how our little ones just fly up into our arms but then want to get loose to get that big dog.. My husband is an x-cop and he bought me a spray that I carry just incase, even if I get Belle scooped up another dog may still try to jump at her or at us. The spray really works. Also, there is a dog repeller that is a small hand held unit that has that high pitched tone that only dogs can hear. I have used that to chase dogs out of our yard. They work and they are only like $10.00. I lost my mini Schnauzer last year, I can't even imagine loosing Belle, they are our babies and we protect them with everything we have.