What should I do if another dog attacks mine?

[Pandapup]

I just got a puppy and this is a fear of mine. She is now of an age where I can take her out for walk and I want to think about my plan, should this happen.
Do I call my dog back to me, at the first sign the other dog looks aggressive? Or just encourage my dog to keep walking? And what if my dog is attacked? Is the advice that I cannot really intervene for I may be attacked myself? Obviously I would shout for the other owner, but say that are at the other side of park etc?
My dog is still just a puppy but I think she will be a hesitant / fairly timid dog and unlikely to be approaching other dogs to play that often. Although I may be proved wrong.

@Handsoffstrikesagain Ha! 😂

I'm probably guilty too, I had a mental image of someone trying to strangle a dog in full attack but I realise now you mean grab it's collar and pull. 🤭

Reminds me of my Uncle when I got my first bike said if a dog attack you, ram your bike pump down it's throat - every time I saw a dog when I rode my bike I was afraid I might have to do that!

Do you have any parks near you where you can comfortably approach other dog owners?

The best thing we did when our latest was a puppy was to approach a friendly group of dog owners in a local park. Being allowed to run and play really puts you at ease, plus learn what is just boisterous play and fun. A lot of fun play can look a bit scary when really it's just the dogs having a great time.

I fear that by reading MN you would get the impression that the world is full of out of control dogs that attack every dog they see. I have had dogs for years and never witnessed an attack. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but perhaps owners can misinterpret play.

Best thing you can do is ensure your dog has solid recall and knows how to interact with other dogs, but try not to worry.