You might want to consider pepper spray instead of a stick.
I also wouldn't take my dogs off their leash in that case, I don't want them running off and then having to chase them down in unfamiliar territory.
Personally, in those cases I tend to give my wife control of both of our dogs, and I get between them and whoever/whatever is approaching in a threatening manner. We also don't go out for walks unprepared to deal with whatever comes up...
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