Indy, I could not have restrained myself from uttering angry swear words in a situation that compromised safety on the trail. You are a better person than me!
I've had one-two dog altercations on the road, right on my street. Dealing with my idiot neighbor was bad enough, but I was truly scared for my safety with a dog running at me. I used what I learned here on TE and it worked, but the situation didn't make my fear of dogs better. I just am not an animal lover, which I have always been hesitant to state here, but usually, if a dog is well behaved (i.e. has a well behaved owner), I can tolerate it.
People just don't think.