Ash,

I've used my water bottle to prevent those pesty little nippers. Try spraying from your water bottle at the dog to get it to back off. The water may surprise it enough to give you time to get away. Good Luck!

P.S.-If theres a leash law in the area where that lab charged you, you can report the owners. If enough reports are logged maybe the local law will step in...you won't see any $$$ for the loss of your jacket, but you'll get the satisfaction that the owners themselves may have to deal with local courts, i.e. court fees.

Cranks