Mr. Richbuff,
your comment :

'2. Defensive display: That's what it's called when I am in immediate need to be immediately ready to use force to defend myself. It is legal.'

While this might be legal in a technical sense in your jurisdiction, it is brandishing in most places; however the larger point is this - you are, to use your own words - "defensively displaying" a firearm to an animal, and although I have met some intelligent dogs, most don't rise to the level of understanding beyond that of a three year old child.

In these confrontations, you are supposed to be smarter participant - your explanation of your actions doesn't exhibit that.

__________________
Tony