If you are going to poke a big dog, you are going to get bit. Quit whining about how you didn't think it would bite. That excuse only works if you are 5 years old.
If you are lucky enough, that it only growls or barks at you, or maybe shows its teeth, do not, under any circumstances, hit it repeatedly with a chair, a pole, a plank, or, for that matter, anything. This will only increase the chances of the big dog not only biting your leg, but it may just keep going.
Do not consider this a warning. If you are older than five, you shouldn't need to be warned.
Let me add, continued poking will only increase the ferocity of the response.
