I'm worried for you, Spuds. Jerk with an attitude can quickly turn into jerk with a lawyer. I'd urge you get familiar with the self-defense law of your state/locality.

A stick can kill. I wouldn't use a stick to defend myself unless I am convinced that I might receive grievous bodily harm. In other words, if I will use a stick, I will use a gun. If not, I will do everything I can to get out of there. A hurt ego is better than a mountain of attorney bills or a prison sentence. Everyone I know (indirectly) who defended himself in what most would consider legitimate self-defense situations ended up in jail. Think about the consequences.

Secondly, you need training, even if you think "oh, I'll just scare him off." Usually people who carry visible weapons for deterrent value can't pull it off, because they don't project the right mindset. Predators will see that for what it is. Training will help you with the mindset. And if push comes to shove, you'll have some skills to back up your intent. No, you don't have to become a stickfighting master (I assume that's what you mean by Bruce Lee), but you'd be surprised how much training it takes to be effective.

I wouldn't recommend a stick for you yet.

It seems like you are thinking of a particular situation -- some guy's dog is bothering you? Are there other ways to solve this problem?