I think part of the training people should get when they take their dogs for obedience training is how to react should their dogs attack. I'm sure it's covered but everyone thinks "my dog would never do that" and their guard is down most of the time, IMO.

I took my cat to the vet once and, of course, he was in his cat carrier. There was a man there with a BIG dog who was on a leash. The dog was sitting quietly, minding his own business but nearly everyone who walked into the waiting room wanted to interact with this dog. They'd hold out their hand or just walk right up and touch the dogs head. I would never do this. I'd ask the owner if the dog welcomed others into his space. Just like a person.....animals probably need their own personal space especially when in a strange environment. I wouldn't want a complete stranger coming up to me and touching me if I had done nothing to invite them. And, instinctively, the dog is going to protect his owner. Can't fault a dog for that.

I feel bad for all the animals who suffer the consequences of their owner's lack of good judgment. They're often punished for doing exactly what their instincts tell them to do.