[gactanync]

I wouldn't encourage my APBT to respond to a stranger like that if he didn't actually threaten you. It's one thing for the dog to take notice of how you feel and maybe become more aware, or put himself between you and the stranger... but barking and growling are over-reacting for the situation, and like ABK said it is a sign of weak nerves.

My first ever APBT barked and growled at a drunk guy at a concert who stumbled too close... but was fine with all the other drunk people. The next day, he tried to take down a glass door to get at my father and continued to growl at him every time he saw him. I had had the dog a week, and I contacted the rescue he came from and let them know that the dog needed to be evaluated further. The rescuer told me she had never had a problem like that with him, but put him to sleep by my recommendation. APBTs should NOT exhibit that sort of behaviour, it's just not what the breed was created for.

At the local park here in California, people's children are always very well behaved with my dogs.. they always approach us and ask if they can pet the dogs first, and then pet them politely. I've never had a problem. What I HAVE had a problem with, is people who think my dogs want to play with theirs, and just let their dogs off lead.. bad idea folks! lol