Not sure about kicking - not because I have a problem with it in teh attack situation described, just seems to be a bit risky for the leg.... When in the city and I used to walk my dog at night I ended up having to take along a nice heavy walking stick and that was brilliant. You can put it between yourself and the dog ot between your dog and it or just clobber it! (Hey I am talking attack situation) Dogs have a very healthy respect for sticks! Most of teh time a potentially threatening dog will look at you, the stick, the stick again, and rethink.