I'm glad Joe stood his ground, too. He was not afraid of the dog. He told me later that he was more concerned for my safety than his own. If I had been alone I would have been scared to death and the dog would have sensed that! Joe, on the other hand, showed no fear and stood his ground. I think that's why the dog backed down. He saw that Joe was not afraid of him. If it were me I would have been shaking in my cleated shoes! I hope you're right ... maybe the dog will not attack someone else after Joe stood up to it.