If I'm stream fishing with a fly rod or my 23' pole I usually have my defender 12 gauge loaded with slugs fairly close by.

I suppose that depends on how smart the dog is. Lol
The hope would be once the dog starts barking the bear bolts.

Sounds to me like it depends on how dumb the bear is haha.

Sorry I bring my dog with me because my dog always comes camping with me same with my rifle. Will it make me invincible to a charging Grizz most likely not but the hope is the dog will let me know there is something out there so I can take some other steps.

Best advice I can give is be prepared when in the woods, Know your surroundings, carry bear spray, be cautious and have fun. I have been camping and hunting in the woods for the better part of 20 plus years without issue. I like my odds better in the woods than in the city. IMHO

I pack a firearm, bear spray is for parks or when you work in the bush and your not allowed to protect yourself properly.

This is a valid point....and is dependant on the dog.... Hoepfully the dog stays with you and lets you know there is a bear and does not go vounding off....

Dogs are often used in other areas for hunting black bears as they often will tree quite readily....

I have seen small yappy ones that work well as they are small enough to know not to mess with a bear however I have seen two ankle biters go and tangle with a bear and then suddenly realise uh-oh and bring a ticked off bear into camp....

training dogs to hate bears is easy you slap them around with a bear hide when they are pups but don't let them win (NOT HARMING THEM OF COURSE)and they learn to hate that and they will hate bears and growl when they smell one...yet won't go into attack mode....and create the above situation...

My dogs nickname is shadow he is a chocolate lab and will not leave my side. My dog is a sissy but he has a loud bark and a nasty growl nothing escapes his attention. We is an alarm system both to crooks at home and critters in the forest. If he did decide to tangle with a bear I will miss him but it should give me some time to run away lol.

Gotta teach your dog to hunt bears.. It's fun.

well said

The dog will give you time. And prevent a bad surprise encounter.