Final answer:
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response experienced when encountering a potential threat.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nervous system responsible for the "fight or flight" reaction when encountering a strange barking dog is the sympathetic nervous system. This response is an involuntary reaction mediated by the nervous and endocrine systems, preparing the body to deal with perceived threats. As you tense up and consider running away, your sympathetic nervous system activates, increasing heart rate and breathing, dilating pupils, and redirecting blood flow to essential muscle groups, all to prepare you to either escape or defend yourself against danger.