Poodle Takes on Deer

My little 15 lb poodle mix, Doobie has been sprayed by skunks 4 times so obviously she thinks she can win even with a deer. Last night just before dark she ran down to the lower property and started barking like she had something cornered. Right away I thought OMG another skunk and ran down there myself to find a deer on the other side of the chainlink fence challenging Doobie, it rammed the fence and bounced back LOL. It continued to stand it's ground so I made myself;f big and shouted till it ran off. So glad it wasn't another skunk.

Here's how Doobie usually looks

Haha, that's awesome. I still remember a 2500 lb. Holstein bull running for its life with a pet Chihuahua at its heels. The bull had been conditioned to run from a pair of farm dogs, and a "sick 'em!" plus "bark bark!" was full trigger.

"You are as big as you think you are!
' -- mostly.

Unfortunately, if it's a bear, the dog will quickly retreat and bring it back to you -- and because it's a "wolf attack" the bear is very seriously pissed off when it arrives. Not good mojo.

You may want to be significantly more cautious with such a small dog...(I am owned by a dozen, all under 10lbs!).

Doe's have been known to stomp a dog repeatedly (severe injury to actual death) if too near their fawn(s) or if otherwise threatened; in fall during the rut, the males will take on just about anything that irks them. Same goes for all the antlered animals (moose, elk, caribou...).

Many animals, such as raccoon, skunk, opossum etc. are strictly defensive creatures. Allowing a dog to "attack" in such a ferocious manner, with no size to back it up, is a recipe for disaster, in my opinion.  All the above animals will choose flight, and run away, unless cornered by an aggressive acting dog. Once cornered, then the claws/teeth come out, often on both sides, and someone gets hurt - wildlife, pet or human trying to intervene.

Might be time to put some restraint on little Doobie, before harm, greater than a skunking, occurs.

It's true, caution is advised. Ungulates are far from helpless.

I put up the chain link when I first got Doobie and the deer stopped coming into my yard. The deer was never on the inside when it charged Doobie I was surprised to see one so close to the fence but it was at an edge to cross over to another area back behind my place. I haven't let Doobie out after dark in years because of the skunk sprays, this night was at the time I usually put my chickens up so they don't get eaten and she is a very aware dog so noticed the deer before me. Believe me I do take precautions especially with her, she has no fear and like you said could end up getting hurt or worse.
I posted this because it turned out fine and was pretty funny.