No you did not do anything mean...you were protecting yourself and your dog..it's sad that the kids lost their dog but if the dog was aggressive towards others what possibly could they have been thinking to let their child walk it alone? We're glad you and dede are ok

Oh my!  This is one of my fears, when Im walking my Daisy. I keep with me this Dog spray called Halt, when we take walks or go camping. My Husband thinks  I over react. I don't think so. She is My kid.  Halt,  helps me feel a bit more safe, when I see big dogs or even small. I would had done the same thing as you did. Im glad everyone is ok.

I would have to agree that what you did was not mean.

The advise the first person gave you is very sound advice.  It is very true that our dogs feed off our energy, but sometimes in the heat of the moment it's very difficult to remember and stay calm.

I'm glad you're both ok, and your neighbor needs a visit from animal control.

I don't think that little kids should be holding a "power" breed or any dog for that matter without the supervision of a parent. I do know that you were trying to protect yourself and your dog so it is not mean.

However, an advice I can give you is to calmly pick up your dog or put it behind you and firmly stand your ground. Be calm and very assertive about yourself. The dog will know that you mean no harm but your dog belongs to you not him. Your dog is for you to protect like a leader should. Don't walk away until the other dog does because if you walk away, he will know you are a follower and you are afraid too. Also, it could be dangerous because the moment you move away, he'll strike at you and/or your dog. Wait until he moves and retrieves. If you do this, the dog will realize that every time he see you and your dog, he will learn to retrieve and not attack you. He'll realize, "Oh, it'a a pack leader. I must stay away from that pack." If you want more distance for safety, just cross the street. 

Remember to be calm because even if the other dog's energy is negative, your's have to be greater because your dog at that moment is looking at you for protection and if you can stand your ground, your dog will know it's safe to be around you. The worst thing is to panic because you could create damage to your own dog. He could become phsychologically unstable. Your dog will remember you energy and remember to be afraid too when a dog like this approaches.

Also, screaming just creates more excitement and can trigger the other dog to attack even more. He'll know your afraid and weaker than him.

Your dog is your own mirror, let him mirror your good energy.

I know this because I've had this happen to our dog so I knew how to handle it with the knowledge at hand first.

If you need more help don't forget to ask!

Sounds like your neighbor needs to get a clue! Don't worry Nicole, you absolutely did the right thing! But i do think your parents need to call animal control, because that dog sounds dangerous! And a dangerous dog does not need to be in the hands of a kid the same age as the dog or younger! We're just glad you and Dede are ok! Luv. Blaze