Wow, thanks everyone for all of the detailed responses. I, too, take this issue very seriously. I understand the implications for the dog owner and owners everywhere. I have had dogs all my life- big and small-and sort of consider myself a "Dog Person" and have read and researched endlessly for as long as I can remember. I have waited to act because I needed to make sure that my actions were well thought out and not impulsive or entirely fear-based. Asking the opinions of intelligent people that care about animals is apart of that. I haven't walked past this house for the last couple days while I mulled over the issue. I believe the dog was behaving threateningly- head lowered, teeth bared, hair standing up, front legs apart... I am confident that the dog is not under the control of the woman that I am assuming to be the owner. There is no fence in the front yard and the owner persists in allowing the dog to be in the yard with her and sometimes without. I am unable to feel safe in the neighborhood because of this. I think the dog did not step out of the yard as we walked by because I was trying to claim the space that we were in without challenging or backing down and the dog was unsure- my son may not be able to do this, and we shouldn't have to. If I had let my gaurd down or made some unintentional move the dog may have come out and attacked. I think the most intelligent thing to do is go by myself and talk to the owner(s)-deep sigh- and expect to be blown off. I'll figure out the law first and discuss the issue with animal control before I go. The problem I have is that I am less confident talking to the owners than I would be facing the poor Golden.