[piasa]

Or two ill-trained big dogs that instead of staying close to the owner, ran forward and went after the bear’s cubs, or else the bear feared they would go after her cubs.

[usurper]

Or two ill-trained big dogs that instead of staying close to the owner, ran forward and went after the bear’s cubs,

I have read similar story's about cougars. Dog goes out and encounters cougar, dog freaks out and runs back to the owner with the cat right behind. Dog owner is kitty chow but the dog gets away.

Guns are your friend, dogs are sometimes helpful.