I've trained dogs in obedience for 15 years and know a little bit about dog psychology.

Retriever/sporting types (labs, goldens, some spaniels) are intrigued by our feet spinning. I always STOP spinning and yell NO! The act of slowing will sometimes break their chase instinct (which is what is going on) and the "NO! GO HOME!" will intimidate some of them. You MUST believe that you are "alpha" and that the dog will obey. As somebody said, dogs can smell fear - they also know indecision.

Some dogs are so inbred, often to be aggressive, that you just don't know what is going on. If I can outrun them, I will.

I don't think that the water bottle is always a good idea. If the dog is enraged - the water will further enrage him. If he's a puss-at-heart, the slowing your feet & yelling "NO" should do it.

All of these are broad speculations. Know how to read the dog (tail up & tongue flapping= "we're having fun!" - tail straight out, eyes narrowed & hair raised = "you're mine!").

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BTW - I did not appreciate the person who suggested a car hitting the dog would be an answer - even if not entirely serious. It isn't the dog's fault. It's the idiot owners. Don't wish a slow and painful death on a dog who doesn't know any better.