We think we had a badger hiding under our shed.  It was about the length of a medium-sized dog but was rounder, had black and white fur, had very small ears and we couldn't see a tail.  It ran fast - faster than a fat cat could run, and very low to the ground.  It was definitely not a fox or a ground hog, and certainly not a skunk! 

We live in Moseley, VA,  in Western Chesterfield County.  Could it have been a badger?  If so, do you have any suggestions as to precautions we need to take or how we can discourage it from living here?  (We know they can be very fierce and we are mainly worried about out dogs.)  Thank you for your help!!